Experiencing life in community can be a very rewarding time. Let’s have a look at some examples of community situations outside of our normal understanding of city or neighborhood communities.
Community may be one of the following:
- Church group: i.e. prayer group or home cell.
- A sports group or club.
- A business.
- A Marriage or a family are a good example of a ‘micro’ community.
One of the most wonderful benefits of being in a community circumstance is discovering the ‘wealth’ that it has to offer. This wealth does not necessarily mean just financial but can refer to all forms of support needed. For example: time, advice, prayer and encouragement for each other.
Whatever the example of community we are experiencing at the moment, there is one common factor in all community situations – relationships. Community relationships are like bridges and can either make or break a group.
When people first come together and form a group, it normally starts well. This comes about because there is enthusiasm and common focus on the goal. There is strength in unity and as the new relationships work well together (the bridges are strong and free of blockage), the unity is strong.
However, as time passes the ‘bridges’ start to deteriorate. This can happen for a number of reasons.
Some people may perceive they are receiving less favour than others; some might begin to disagree with how the leaders are doing things. There may be any number of negative perceptions. Whatever the reason, the emotions generated are enough to interfere with the bridge of relationship and what was once a free flowing highway of support and information, has now become somewhat restricted. The nett result is a weakness in the unity of the whole group.
Worst case scenario is that some members leave, adding to the overall weakness of the group. Perhaps new members may join but the process continues. When a community-type group breaks up, the members are the ones that lose the opportunity of gaining ‘wealth’ from one another.
If the members of the group were able to work through the issues that cause disagreement, they would grow stronger and the overall group would retain their unity and therefore strength. ’Wealth’ would freely pass from one to another.
The Gospel needs to go out – we need to share what Jesus has done in each of our lives. This command applies to all believers not just those chosen to operate in certain gifting’s: Apostle, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher or Prophet. We may not all be preachers or teachers but the Lord has changed each of our lives in some significant way and we can share that experience with others as and when we are led.
If our bridges of relationships are blocked or not there at all… then… how will the Gospel go out? It is critical that as believers, our bridge of communication is always open with those in our community.
If we look specifically at a company type community, we need to build new bridges or make sure that existing bridges are clear with regard to:
Our colleagues
– We are able to pray and encourage one another in the work place (where we spend so much time)
Our customers and suppliers
– Without a word spoken, customers and suppliers can witness the positive way we treat them and an opportunity to share the Lord, can open.
Our competitors
– We can pray for the salvation of our competitors instead of ‘bad mouthing’ them in the market place.
To Be Continued……
From: “…time with the Master…”
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