There’s a story in the Old Testament that warms my heart every time I read it. It’s found in Exodus 17:10-14. A battle was going on and Joshua was on the front lines commanding God’s army. Israel was fighting. Moses went to the top of the hill to watch. He soon found out that if his arms were down, Israel was losing. But when his hands were lifted up, they were winning. Anyone knows that you can only keep your arms up for so long. The same was true on this day. When Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron stood on one side and Hur on the other side. They would hold his arms up. There are several things we can learn about this scenario, but this is a beautiful picture of what Christian community does for us. They hold us up. And according to our key verse from Ecclesiastes, they help us up when we fall down.
Our pastor spoke about community on Sunday. He said that he has yet to find someone in the New Testament not involved in community. I agree. From the earliest days of the Church, people gathered together for worship, fellowship, and the study of God’s Word. Christians were together in homes, gatherings, and places of worship. Paul never traveled alone. Christians were together to pray with each other, help each other, hold each other up, and learn together.
I’ve heard people say… “Well, I am just fine. I watch church online and that’s good for me. The Church is broken and unhealthy and I don’t need it. (I’m guessing that comes from church hurt) Yes, it is broken and unhealthy because it’s comprised of broken and unhealthy people. Here’s the thing though… we are not meant to walk this journey alone. And… you and I can make it a better place. Did you ever think of that? You can become a part of Christian community and set the standard.
Why do we need Christian community? Because these are the people who will walk beside you, help you when you’ve fallen, hold you accountable, speak truth into you, pray for you and your family, love you, bring you a meal when you’re sick, encourage you with kind words, drive you to the doctors when no one else is around, bring you groceries when you’re housebound. I think you get the picture, right? Now, I realize that some people cannot get out so being involved in Christian community is hard. But the local congregation is there is help you. For most of us, though, we can get involved in community.
I have several Christian communities… some all over the globe since my ministry is predominately online. And I love these faithful friends and we have an incredible Tribe. But I also have my local Christian community and how thankful I am for the ones I get to hug, put my arms around and pray with, and walk side-by-side with. Yesterday, I got a sweet text from a gal in my local community saying that she was praying for me. This morning, I got another text from another girl in my local community asking me how our trip to the beach was and that she was praying for me. This is a common theme for our local Tribe. Each time I hear from them it encourages me.
Let me encourage you be a blessing to your Christian community today. Text them, call them, or reach out to them and tell them that you are praying for them and bless them with encouraging words. Trust me… you will make their day and perhaps your words will lift them up today. Christian community is vital for all of us.