In his classic book on community, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer cautioned that, “He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.”
I’ve been thinking about that idea since this past Sunday’s sermon at Restoration City. We talked about the idea that biblical community is a beautiful destination that requires us to walk a difficult road. We love the idea of living in a community where we are at peace with one another (1 Thessalonians 5:13) and where we are mutually committed to each other’s best interests (1 Thessalonians 5:15). But we forget that this kind of community requires the courage to admonish one another, to comfort one another, to help one another, and to be patient with one another (1 Thessalonians 5:14). We love the dream but are often unwilling to do the work. We think we’re going to stumble into honest conversations, meaningful relationships, and the transforming joy that comes from being fully known and fully loved.
But it just doesn’t work that way.
Community requires work and courage. It requires us to go to the weekly gathering of a church rather than watch online. It requires us to go to community group when we would rather crash on the couch. It requires us to approach others in love and curiosity, not with cynicism and detachment. It requires us to be honest and it requires us to honor the moments when others chose to be honest with us.
Here’s the thing: the messy reality of community is infinitely better than our airbrushed dreams. But we’ve got to work for it. We’ve got to fight for it.
What’s one way you’ve been fighting for community in your life?
Photo by Valiant Made on Unsplash
John McGowan 
| | | | | I went knocked on doors and invited 17 neighboring houses to Resurrections Sunday at Craig’s Baptist Church. I bought and gave size Large shirts for a young 12 year old at my Church because he is really growing. I went to all the evangelizing and unity meetings with The Billy Graham Ministry in town visiting the Spotsy, VA are. I am praying over the 200 children and those who attended the youth Pursuit training along with Louann my Daughter. along with 50 others the Lord has put on my heart from my community outside of the church to reach the unchurched. Last Sunday ( yesterday) The Lord Jesus spoke to me on the way to CBC and told me I am now one of His Youth Pastors. I told Pastor John and Pastor Brent this info and I am waiting for them to open a door that Jesus has set for me to walk through. If they do not respond in obedience to Jesus I am going to talk with other Pastors and I am going to also talk with all my new Christian friends at The BGEA. I am hoping I get to meet and speak to Will or Franklin Graham sometime soon. Please keep me in your Prayers[pastor John McGowan. I am praying for Restoration Church too. We really need Unity in the Churches in the USA. And we can be together to help Jesus start this to greater heights and depths in The Power of His Holy Spirit all through Virginia and our Nation(s). So much is happening so fast. Walking with Jesus is Amazing. I just finished War Room ( God has restored my Marriage but the church needs to realize this and not judge where I am at and let me rise up in the Lord For HIS GLORY and Fame and be a Youth Pastor. Jesus is going to open the door for me this week I faithfully Trust and believe) and I am Studying the I AM titles and scriptures in the Book of John ( and taking it into a deeper study with Jesus study with the 7 Churches in Revelation and the I AM mentions in the OT too. How are you all doing? Are you still in the local Library and outreach missionary? Your Christian Friend Karen( a Mary for Jesus).I loved seeing your Beautiful and Adorable Growing Family Picture recently.You have been so Richly Blessed in Him.
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