Creatures of Habit: Isolation vs Community

 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

(Ecc 4:9-10, NIV)

I have been a pastor for almost 25 years.  I have preached countless sermons on the importance of community and being a part of the Body of Christ.  I have worked most of my career to create community and help people feel they have a place to belong. Over the past week I have experienced Community in a new way.  I have always known that community, being a part of a fellowship of believers, is an essential piece of our faith…but I have never truly been on the receiving side of it before.

In Seminary we were taught the importance of boundaries in ministry, keeping a healthy distance from people.  The reality is this is difficult, and I am not very good at it…except when it comes to very personal things.  I am very good at shutting myself off from people in the moments that I really need community the most.  It is hard for me to ask for help, to be vulnerable, to show signs of weakness. My default is to isolate myself and figure it out on my own.  Well, you can probably guess how that has worked out for me! 

This past week I have been reminded of the importance of community, of allowing people to come alongside me in my journey.  Having emergency surgery will do that!  I am grateful for the ways my community has rallied around me…text messages, emails, phone calls, flowers, cards, meals.  Encouragement and support that lifted my spirit and helped in my recovery.

I have always loved this verse from Ecclesiastes, Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  What a great reminder that we are created for community! 

As we wrap up this sermon series on Creatures of Habit, I believe we have saved the best for last!  It is the best because all of our other godly habits are strengthened when we are in community…gratitude, generosity, prayer, truth, and rest.  Each good habit is easier to maintain when we walk with others in the journey.  Proverbs 27:17 says, As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.  Friends may we continue to sharpen one another as we grow together in community

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day 
until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil 1:3-6)