We've talked in weeks past about how intentionally choosing to live alternatively to those around us and to follow Jesus is not an easy thing to do. It takes intentionality, hard work and discipline to make significant changes to our lives.
The truth is though, that the journey of pursuing an Alternative Lifestyle becomes exponentially more difficult when we try to do it on our own, because God has created us for community.
How many of you have ever tried to make significant lifestyle changes on your own? How successful were you? Statistics show that when we invest in making changes to our lives while surrounded by a support system of other people, we are much more successful than when we try to do it alone.
God never intended for us to journey through life on our own. We see in God's own triune nature (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) that he himself is a communal being.
When God created Adam, the first man, he said, "It is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18) and he created a woman to be with him.
God established his covenant with a community of people (the nation of Israel) who did life together.
The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of the power of community and relationships. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
In the New Testament we see Jesus living and doing ministry in community with his disciples. We see the establishment of the New Testament church, to which the Apostle Paul referred to as the Body of Christ - many parts who all need one another.
God has called us to live an Alternative Lifestyle and one of the ways we do that is by choosing not to journey through life alone but to surround ourselves in community. It's not always easy but it's one of the ways we begin to experience the fullness of life that Jesus came to give.
How are you doing at surrounding yourself with other people and doing life in community?
