Community is a very significant gift. However, I often perceive it as the large box under the Christmas tree- You don't necessarily know what it is, but you know you want to open it. Everyone speaks of community as this excellent idea of true fellowship with fellow humans. In the Christian context, community is the ideal characteristic of the church. Nonetheless, many (including me) do not fully grasp the fullness of community.
I have recently experienced community in various contexts. These include dinner with a small group of friends, making s'mores around a fire pit, and conversations with fellow graduate students. A common theme has arisen from these social events- weakness. Many of us often look at community as a strong group of strong people (perhaps with above average intellect) whose relationship with each other will lead to significant contributions to society as a whole. This ideal, however, misses both the reality of community on earth and the essential idea of community.
I propose that community is designed for the weak. (Note: We are all weak in some form or another.) It is only through gathering with other weak individuals and sharing our inabilities and shortfalls that we may approach the ideal of community. I will offer an example... As a graduate student, I encounter many conversations about the future. My friends and I discuss possible career goals or dreams of changing the world through our future efforts. Eventually, we come to realize that we are not ultimately in control of the future. No matter how organized we may think our lives are, God is ultimately the history maker.
Some would argue that this doesn't sound like community, but a group of depressed, cynical individuals. (I must admit that I am prone to cynicism.) However, this is not the case. My relationship with fellow followers of Christ produces hope, not dread. While we may discuss our failures or quickly come to realize that we don't really know what we're doing with our lives, we are reminded of the grace of God. We will inevitably fail at things, such as class assignments. However, God continues to love us. We, as a community, are united in our love for God and appreciation of salvation through Jesus Christ. In addition, we are united in our hope that God will ultimately work out things for His glory. In this we rejoice.
Our weaknesses serve as a reflection of the strength of God. As a community of believers, we can come together, discuss issues, and ultimately find hope in the sovereignty of God and His work in/through history. It is clear that this does not always occur when I meet with my Christian brothers and sisters. (For we continue to experience the effects of sin.) Nonetheless, when this does occur, it is amazing!
I am truly thankful for the gift of Christian community, and the opportunity to see a glimpse of true community as I fellowship with fellow believers. To God be the glory.
