Christian Body Building

 

1 Chronicles 29; Micah 6; Luke 15; 2 Peter 3

Covid-19 regulations pushed our small group unto ZOOM last night. It worked well as we discussed the definition of Christian community and some practices for building it. This community is a modern term for the Body of Christ, or the family of believers. It is not about denominations or buildings but the people who have received new life in Christ through faith and are called “members of one another.”

To build this community, we need to do the “one another” commands in the Bible. Most are plainly stated and some are illustrated. Sometimes the OT also shows how the Body of believers came together to honor God in unity and with a ‘family’ spirit. For instance, after the offerings had been made for the temple Solomon would build:

Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (1 Chronicles 29:9)

Then David prayed, affirming the greatness of God, thanking Him, and commending the people for “offering freely and joyously” to Him. He illustrates how I am to affirm the strengths, abilities and gifts of God’s people.

Micah also speaks of my responsibility to the Body of Christ. While today’s reading is mostly rebuke, the positive verse reminds me that I’m to encourage others in doing the will of God. I need reminding of this focus as do all of God’s people:

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

These reminders to do good happen the most during worship services and our small group Bible study. As we get to know and trust one another, we also feel the freedom to question and even challenge each other. In that, we become stronger in our faith and more faithful in putting it to practice.

Jesus also illustrated the attitudes His people should have toward others. In Luke 15, He tells two parables illustrating that community-builders must reach out to those who are lost, sinful and need to repent.

This is not an easy assignment. I’d rather spend time with spirit-filled, obedient family members than be concerned over those who are outside of our home. But then Jesus tells of the Prodigal Son who took off into a life of sin and his father waited for his return and welcomed him when he came back. The older son was resentful over that welcome. He said he’d served his father many years and never disobeyed but dad never had a party for him.

I’m not supposed to be like that son, full of pride like “I’ve never strayed” — which isn’t true anyway, but I’m not to lord it over those who stumble. Building community means being like the father who illustrates the loving welcome of God to his son who repented and returned, and who was gentle with his self-righteous son.

Peter also reminds me of God’s patience. Because my Father is patient with people, I am to be like Him and treat all those in His family with the same consideration. I am glad He is patient with me and glad that He is not in a rush to condemn . . .

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

This means I have no basis for being impatient with others. I might think they should grow faster, or realize their sin faster but who am I to be impatient with anyone? God is incredibly long-suffering with me! Besides, the final judging of the world will mean dramatic and awful events . . .

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! (2 Peter 3:10–12)

How must I live because I know this will happen? “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” (2 Peter 3:14)

Community-building means diligence in keeping my own life clean. It also means being at peace, both as an individual and as a member of a community that is waiting for Jesus. I must do whatever I can to be at peace with others and build on our unity with praise and encouragement, pouring oil on troubled waters and speaking peace to anxious hearts.

APPLY: We need one another. I’m asking the Lord for creative ways to build our sense of community, to help other Christians realize the love of God and the importance of their lives in the family of God, and to be aware of hot spots and occasions to honor and affirm my brothers and sisters in Christ.