Think of your greatest memories, the ones that give you the most joy. How many of those good memories took place with another person or other people?
God created us for fellowship, with Himself, and one another (Gen. 2:18). Everyone wants to feel like they belong. Community is a united body of individuals.
When Adam & Eve sinned, it separated us from God and damaged our relationships with one another. When we receive Jesus as Lord, He makes us members of His new covenant community, the church (Eph. 2:19).
Community requires humility (Eph. 4:1-3). Humility is not degrading oneself. It’s considering others. Pride fuels strife (Pro. 13:10). We’ve placed such a high priority on self that it competes with our commitment to others, to community, and a desire to work for harmony.
Community requires ministry (Eph. 4:11-16). Ministry is serving. Relationships, even good ones, can be challenging. They require work, the work of the ministry.
Fellowship together and serving together, helps us grow in Christ-likeness. The word for equipping is also translated “mending” (Matt. 4:21). The Lord wants us to gather together as a church with Him in such a way that we’re mended. Then we’re to go back out to reach others.
What priority is humility and ministry to you? How do you help make the Lord’s church a united body of individuals?