I was sitting at a bench on the dike enjoying the cool of the evening. A flock of gulls flew over. Then a huge flock of birds swarmed over the water in amazing patterns. Then I noticed a swarm of bugs circling a few metres from where I was sitting.
Creation is hardwired for community. We just naturally group together in flocks, swarms, herds, tribes, clubs, gangs, teams or congregations. We seek companionship, belonging, identification. There is power in community.
Years ago someone spoke to me out of deep pain describing his aloneness. He said, "I'm not talking about just being lonely. I am alone." Perhaps you can relate.
We weren't made to be alone. We were designed for community. (Shameless plug alert!) I feel this is a huge advantage to the church. I've spent my adult life serving the church, so I am well aware of its imperfections. However, Jesus designed the church to be a place of hope and belonging. Most metaphors for the church in the New Testament reflect community.
If you want to explore the things of God, or if you want to grow in your relationship with God, church is vital. There is great value in exploring our faith together. One passage in Scripture that speaks to the power of community is: Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT) See you in church.
