Consider Community

As the world moves further and further from in-person companionship, the trends tell us that humanity has a longing and need for connection that is hardwired into us. Humans are increasingly burned out, ill-equipped, or complacent when forging our relationships. So, what’s the answer to this problem we have for our need for connection? Scripture gives us the answer: a community to belong to, a cause to run after together, and a compass leading us to those relationships.

In Hebrews 10:19-25, the writer is writing to Christians in the first century. The writer is telling them that because they have a new reality, they have new actions. Vertically, we draw near to God and hold onto our confession of hope in Him. Verses 24-25 are the horizontal communal aspect that we must note.

When it says, “let us consider,” it means to be in deep thought about the other person. When we consider one another, it’s mutual, it’s groups and friendships, so that we can provoke or spur each other. Provoking causes us to move towards a goal. Love and good works do not happen on their own. Provocation without consideration runs the risk of being harsh, disconnected, and ineffective. So, when you consider someone, you are deeply concerned with what they need, and that becomes what you spur them towards.

Why love and good works? Our disposition and love are shown in our outward good works. Our goal is that someone would become what we’re meant to become: more like Jesus. We actually all desire this, but it’s easier said than done.

How can we practically move into community?

We can have a persistent presence. Hebrews 10:25 says not to neglect getting together, as some are in the habit of doing. We need embodied active fellowship with one another. We need presence to build friendship. Not, it’s consistent, not constant. You’re not to burn yourself out with continuous Christian activity, but you’re challenged to be constantly involved.

The world doesn’t do this. The world disciples quitters, Jesus calls us to be partakers. The world trains us to approach community where we get impatient when we don’t get what we want quickly, place unrealistic expectations on others who can’t handle imperfection, and are comfortable in isolation and uncomfortable when formed by other people. The world views the Church as a supermarket to stop by, while Jesus wants it to be a community garden. He desires a shared experience of work and results.

Why are we resistant to having a persistent presence? Are you busy? Is it not a priority? Shame, fear, anxiety, laziness, and past hurt can all play a role. Is there an idol in place that is keeping you from community? God can handle your hesitations, and so can the Church, but it’s important to get to the root.

If you don’t have community, what would it look like to be persistently present, both physically and mentally? Show up! Find a group. When you’re there, get to know people…ask questions, get their number, hang out. To be mentally present, remove distractions, truly listen, and follow up.

If you already have community, how can you facilitate and include others in your life? Do you have the warmth of Christ that pulls others in? Pour into other people. We need differing levels in our community of relationships.

We need a supportive posture. Verse 25 explains that the gathering is for encouragement and growth. It’s earnest support to help someone think, act, and believe a certain way. Spiritual formation is done in community. Relationships are meant to have positive and helpful outcomes for one another. Scripture constantly points us to the “one another.” The goal of our friendships is to have each other’s backs. Colossians 1:9-13 is a picture of what we should want for our friends. The world doesn’t want us to be people who care more about each other than ourselves. The world disciples takers, Jesus calls us to be givers. The world gravitates towards the negative and comfort. If it can’t help you, it’s discarded. Whereas, Jesus' followers pour out and impart to others. It’s hard to show up with a posture of putting others first, but that's where transformation happens. When you do this, you look more like Jesus, and others will be drawn to you.

Community is meant to heal. Who can you imitate to practice winsomeness? What does it look like to encourage one another? It’s to want their growth more than your own, speak the truth over each other, and to confess to one another and be met with grace.

We need a Kingdom purpose. Hebrews 10:25 ends by saying to do all of this as you see the Day drawing near. The “Day” is the Day of the Lord, when Jesus returns and the world is judged. The writer adds this because it’s a reminder that your life is meant to have purpose. The clock is winding down, and we are meant to be in the game, not hanging out in the suite. The world disciples drifters, Jesus calls us to be anchors. You can be a steady force in someone's life that draws them towards Jesus.