Missing Our Communities by Yvonne M. Morgan

Are you feeling isolated from your communities because of the pandemic? COVID-19 forced the closures of so many places that it has affected our ability to stay within our established associations. Much of our lives exists only in the virtual world of Zoom or other online activities. At times, I feel lost and alone, locked away for my safety and the safety of others.

We Were Made As Social beings

Why do we struggle with our lack of socialization during this time? From early in the Bible, we see how God created us to be together, in fellowship with others. After God created Adam, He realized it was not suitable for him to be alone, so God made Adam a companion.

“Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” (Genesis 2:18 ESV)

We also witness how Jesus and His disciples lived together in a community of faith. From the beginning to the end of the Bible, we find such examples.

Jesus Set The Example

Let’s dig a little deeper into how Jesus and the disciples lived together. First, Jesus taught them obedience to His Father’s will in all circumstances. Next, Jesus modeled the importance of an active prayer life. Also, they shared their lives together, including meals and money. And, finally, Jesus showed them how to love like Him. This model became the basis for the church to follow in the early days of Christianity. How do our Christian communities measure up today?

Our Churches Today

As I reflect on the days of Jesus, I wonder how we differ. In Christian churches, Jesus is still the center of worship and prayer. I think one big difference appears when we evaluate our dedication to our Christian community. Many attend an hour-long service so they can check it off the list of good deeds. The church is no longer the center of our lives. We rush in and rush out, moving on to the next event of our day. We dread the times when the service lasts longer than we expect. We worship God on our time schedule, fitting Him into the space we created for Him.

Churches In Other Countries

When we visit churches in other countries during a mission trip, we find a very different experience. Usually, the church sits within a compound that remains open continuously. People drop by to chat with one another. We might find someone who has prepared tea to serve to those who show up. Other people stop by to drop off extra food for those without. The scene more closely resembles what I think God intended His church to look like in the world. The church stands at the center of their lives instead of something to do on a Sunday.

What Should We Do?

As our faith communities begin to reopen, should they look different? Although we don’t know what the future holds, I think now is an excellent time to re-evaluate our communities. And, if we can’t change them, can we change our attitude towards them? I don’t have the answers, but as church attendance shrinks in America, I think we need to ask the questions. And, considering the closures from the pandemic, now seems to be the time.

Bible Verses

As we ponder these weighty questions, let’s look to the Bible for some guidance. Here are some verses to remind us how and why God lives in Godly communities:

• Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

• Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

• Galatians 6:2 (ESV) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV) “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”

• Matthew 18:20 (ESV) “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

May the Lord bless you and guide you always.Yvonne

Yvonne M. Morgan

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Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com

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Books: Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017) Rest in God Prayer Journal (9-2020) Faith, Hope, and Love in a Broken World (12-2020)