Oct. 5, 2013

Ecclesiastes 4:12

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

If something awful happened to you or a close loved one, who would be the first person you would call? How many people would you call? These people are your closest community of believers.

I am a person who likes being around other people. Yet, there are times when I love to have time just for myself. I know it is very helpful for me to explore challenges, share joys and sort through things in life with other people. I depend upon other people to support me. They are my community of believers.

Community is as biblical as it gets. Look at the verse above. “Three strands is not quickly broken.” Why three and not two or four? I believe it is because of the Trinity. This sentence is a reminder that the Trinity was together from the beginning and will be together forever.

The basis for Christian community should always be rooted in how the three persons of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – are in community themselves. One person of the Trinity cannot be independent from the other three. They are always together, even when Jesus was walking this earth. The Holy Spirit and the Father were a part of Jesus’ death on the cross and every other act he participated in.

If community is necessary within the Triune God, then should it not also be part of our spiritual journeys? If one person of the Trinity needs the other two, why should Christians think we can successfully grow spiritually by alone? I do need time to read scripture and pray by myself. But I also know that when I explore how faith integrates with my daily life, this is best done in the context of other believers.

Not every conversation I have with someone must include a spiritual nature. Sometimes we just need space to be friends. When situations come along that do need more serious conversation, I pray I can be a person who listens and has compassion because I know there will be times when I need to call upon others. I am thankful to have a wide circle within my community. Thanks be to God.

Sometimes we forget, Lord God that you do speak to us. It’s just through someone who is part of our community of believers. Thank you for bringing into my life people who support me and journey with me. May I be this for someone else this week. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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