Life on Mars ContentAvoiding the Light
At the Transformation Series conference about three weeks ago Paul Trip did some work out Hebrews chapter 10 that I have been noodling on since that weekend.
[(nÅÅd'ling) to contemplate, meditate, think about.]
The concept is not new, and most of us are quick to pay it lip service.
The concept: Christianity is meant to be lived out in community.
Ground breaking I know. Probably not the first time you’ve heard this proposition, but have you ever noodled on it?
We are created in the image of the Trinitarian God who exist in community. “Yes, yes” we nod our heads in agreement. yet few of us willing seek out encouraging, rebuking, exciting, fun, painfully authentic community in our church. I am convinced that the majority of Christian hear this proposition say that you could, may, might benefit from, living out your faith in community. The reality however is that this is not a suggestion. There is an expectation in this text that we live in community (Heb. 10:22-25). In fact, verse 25 is a rebuke to those that think they don’t need to be apart of it. As Mr. Tripp indicated, this is not a call to attend a church service, but to live life together in a meaningful way that exposes our sins, encourages us in faith and draws us closer to Christ.
As I sat in my office this week I was posed the all too familiar question: Why do you think people avoid community? If I had a nickel .
Just to give you background, we currently have approximately 1/3 of our Sunday attendees in Community Groups including ½ of our members.* Respectable numbers by church statistical standards, but far from the expectation of Scripture and to what I believe God is calling us. *This does not include other legitimate forms of community.
So why DO people avoid community?
One reason, and I believe the most significant, is that in authentic community our sin is exposed. We can keep up appearances at work, a family function, or a barbecue. but if we are in a community of believers who take scriptures like Hebrews 3:13 seriously, we cannot hide for long. We all sin, and as John 3:20 outs us, we “will not come into the light for fear that [our] deeds will be exposed.” We fear light like a 32 year old actress fears HDTV. In reality, however, it is this exposure that gives us life. “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)
Unfortunately too many of us have believed the lie that darkness is better then light. In the deepest parts of our regenerate hearts we want communion with God and fellowship with each other… but we have been deceived by the promise of comfort that does not bring peace. My challenge is to live in the light believing the promise of my faithful God that the shame of being exposed will be worth the joy of glorifying Jesus.
So let us live life together, willing to be pruned by God through His Word and His people for the purpose of glorifying Jesus… and don’t forget to bring your sunglasses.
Thank you for writing this Brad. I think this is pounding on a lot of our hearts. Walking in the light with one another, confessing to one another… it has been a strong element for me this week, as well as Laurel, over at the women’s ministry blog… (see “Name It and Claim It”).
[...] note: Check out the Community Groups blog’s latest post by Pastor Brad - more of the same message. And if you are convicted to join a Community Group and [...]
Brother, from one pastor to another, I am moved. Let us walk in the light together, my friend.
I think people also avoid community b/c of the seduction of the technological society.
In the world of text messages, email, cell phones, interstates, sprawl, suburbs and zoning, the connections people have to one another are more tenuous, one-dimensional and ultimately isolating.
There’s no accountability, no risk, when you violate a covenant and can just eject / reset / meet a new stranger. The indoctrination of the value of individuality & aesthetic / consumerist culture also point to this as the best way to live happily.
But, in honesty, living that lie, there’ll still be an emptiness, a brokenness there that won’t be filled by toys and gadgets and single-serving friends. That’s the place that can only be filled with real Christian fellowship and community, living a purpose-driven life.
It’s not easy, the stakes are higher, but it’s worth it.
Good thoughts Ian,
when ever we try to live life on our own terms, such as in the pseudo-community you described, we are always left unfulfilled, unmoved and untransformed by the Gospel.
bless you much