Together is Better...by Teresa

If we are not meant to do life alone, why do we resist doing life together? God is constantly reminding us in His Word that He created us for community…to lift each other up, to speak truth to one another, to pray for and to love on one another. Why then don‘t we follow Nike‘s advice and “just do it?!”

I've been thinking about this a lot. As Director of Connection how can I not think about it? I think about how to create spaces where relationships can be formed, AND how to make Sunday morning a time to get to know each other better, AND how to get people to want to join small groups….and you know what? There’s no easy answer!!

I could blame society and our culture of self-sufficiency for making us self-focused versus others-focused. I could blame all our busy-ness and activity for not allowing us time to connect with each other. But, I've decided it often comes down to one thing…it‘s hard! Connecting relationally makes us vulnerable. It takes time. It puts us at risk for rejection, it forces us out of our comfort zone, it pushes us to make conversation and take on others’ worries and problems. Bottom line, it’s a lot harder to be in relationship than to be self-focused. If I only focus on me and my stuff, I don’t have to be hurt or bothered.

Maybe we resist because we might find out we are not perfect. It takes a lot of energy to keep up that “shiny veneer” of perfection as people get to really know me. If I’m part of a group who is fostering healthy, Christ-centered relationships I’m going to have to get real. And real people are FLAWED and BROKEN. Yikes.

But here’s the UPSIDE and what God reminds us over and over…life WITH each other is a full, robust life. It is REAL. It is where you can be YOURSELF -- flaws and all -- and people will still accept and love you. You don’t have to waste your energy putting on a façade and making everything look perfect. Jesus is perfect. You are not.

And life together is where our maturing in Christ happens -- not in isolation. God is revealed thru His Word and thru community. In fact, His presence often comes through people. Did you know that? He is present with us through relationships with others. He adores community. God designed us for a way of life shared with him and with others.

What’s holding you back?

Just do it.