Community

Merriam Webster defines community as:

1 : a unified body of individuals: as a : state, commonwealth b : the people with common interests living in a particular area; broadly : the area itself c : an interacting population of various kinds of individuals (as species) in a common location d : a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society e : a group linked by a common policy f : a body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic, and political interests g : a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society
2 : society at large
3 a : joint ownership or participation b : common character : likeness c : social activity : fellowship d : a social state or condition.

I was asked to prepare a message for our young adults community, The Lift, on the basis of community. This message will kick off our February series on relationships. I began asking myself, "Well, what is community?" "What is community from a believers perspective?" "What is community from a non-believers perspective?" Is community something we just live and work in? Or is this thought of community supposed to mean something more?

I feel there are times where we beat this idea "community of believers" into each others heads that we eventually forget the meaning of how amazing it is to have such a privilege of community. That's why community means is something more than just living and working together. The people I look at that are in my community aren't people that I see on Sunday morning, but these are people that I am sharing life with. The good and bad things about life. Regardless of what they are I want to be involved with my community. If you are involved in a community that is sharing life together then you know first hand how important community is. Next time you are with your community turn to the person next to you and say,"I couldn't be doing this without you." Because we can't. Our most important asset is Christ, but the way he lived his life shows the importance of having believers around you that are pushing you toward our heavenward goal.

What is Community?
E-mail me your thoughts: Sizemore@vineyardcincinnati.com