Day 15 - Community Is God’s Idea

Connecting with others is a crucial aspect of experiencing life as God intended it to be lived. But the kind of connection we need is more than casual. Contemporary culture is the master of casual, non-committed relationships. The overabundance of dating apps available today reminds us of this reality. But casual relationships are not usually affirming or supportive. Neither do they tend to be encouraging or challenging. As a result, casual connections are not lifegiving. They cannot provide what Jesus envisioned for us when He died on the cross. They cannot provide the level of harmony with one another that makes the world take notice. Only the church in the context of a community can display that kind of connection. And only the Holy Spirit working through the body of Christ can make that kind of difference within a community.

God has called the church to create environments where authentic community can occur. The church community should build transformative fellowships where people can experience connection with God and each other. The church should develop unique, satisfying, and compelling communities that create a hunger
and thirst within the watching world.

Whether in a Connect Group or serving the community, we are more challenged to grow and become better versions of ourselves when closely connected to others. The fourth chapter of Ecclesiastes reminds us, if we have others with us and fall, they are there to help us up.

If you are a Connect Group Leader or an attendee, please know that you are giving meaning to your life and the lives of others. We cannot build Linked UP Church or the community He planted us in without your help.

Reflect
What areas do you need to consider in your life to help make God’s dream for creating community a reality? There is no better time than the present to get started. Decide to do one of those things this week.

Prayer
Father God, I am thankful for this opportunity to help make Your dreams of community and fellowship a reality. With Your grace, I commit to doing my part to see this come to pass in Jesus’ Name.