Joy #44: On Community

Allow me a bit of a soap box today...

Inside an individualistic Western framework, our cultural baggage can be weighted against discovering God's design for community expressions of joy. Here are a few scenarios…

Sometimes I've heard it said that spending time alone in the Word by ourselves is better than hearing the Word preached to us on Sunday morning. (I’ve heard it put this way—a pastor’s sermon is regurgitated truth. But your quiet time—that is discovering fine fare for yourself!) But why? Why would we think that a gifted and studied student of the Word who spends the week soaking in His Truth to deliver to God’s people—why would we not expect to be brought to Jesus by them, at times in a more profound and meaningful way than I can do by myself? Why is that 2nd place? Now sure, if you are content to let others study the Bible for you, then that’s not good. He does want us individually to be students and soakers in His Word! But in all of our lives, aren't there those times when we need someone else to bring us to Jesus?

Sometimes I’ve heard it said that when you need to make an important decision, it’s best to spend alone in prayer time to most clearly discern the will of God. Now sure, sometimes if I am swayed like the wind by other’s opinions, then seeking outside counsel may confuse me. But the Bible doesn’t talk like this! We need other saints. To hear their perspectives. To be blessed by their gifts. To glean from their insights. To learn from their experiences. To benefit from their expertise.

Or here’s one more. At times I have heard others say, “I am learning to depend upon the Lord—He is all I need; No one can meet my needs.” I’m OK with this—as long as they don’t mean that God wants them to remain alone. When Adam was alone with God in the garden (perfect person, perfect setting), this is the one time God said “It is not good.”

Of course we should spend time alone before God in His Word. Of course our relationship with Him is personal and individual, too. Yet, I miss out on much potential joy when I fail to seek His gifts, His wisdom, and His encouragement which He has liberally spread throughout the community of His Body.

Where do you find joy spread throughout those in your community?