the gift of community

"These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, 

and they have proved a comfort to me." - Colossians 4:11

i finished reading Colossians today and although the fourth and final chapter is short, there's a lot that can be taken from it. Something that caught my attention contradicts what is currently being drilled into my head these days. It was a nice reminder. "My fellow workers... have proved a comfort to me." So much of Jesus' three years of ministry was spent with people whom Pharisees and spiritual leaders wouldn't associate with, but He always had his disciples– his crew of normal guys that learned to trust each other and experience life's miracles and mistakes together. There's a pretty obvious hint there, that even the King of the universe continually built community here on earth. Community means more than one "worker" gathering, listening, loving and challenging each other in God's name (Proverbs 27:9, James 5:16).

Coming into college i decided UT would be a great place to get out of my "comfort zone" regarding new people, places and parties. i ended up in a sorority where i saw girls able to pour into me but also where i could pour myself out. We aren't called to this world to be comfortable; we're called to go out and be bold for the Kingdom, but that doesn't mean we have to do it alone. i'm talking about getting so wrapped up in the mission of bringing others to Jesus that we forget to replenish our souls through fellowship. We should be aware that a safe zone can lead to complacency, but finding people that can provide safety is not wrong. We should constantly work to build new relationships founded upon the Lord but also keep up with the community He has given us– with people racing toward the cross at our same pace or faster.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." - Proverbs 27:9

Listening and challenging are two of the most important aspects of a trusted friend. Someone who will never grow weary of listening and who will look at your life's struggles as something to tackle together. Someone who knows your strengths and weaknesses– who will want to raise your standards, push your limits, aid your failures, 
and grow your gifts.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." 
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Photo by Mason Meador.

In a side note, and giving all the glory to God, i'm excited to say the scriptures i mentioned here all came to mind when i finished Colossians 4 and began writing. No aimless flipping through the Bible or typing "friendship verse" on Google, which has happened before, but my thirst for scriptural knowledge has started proving itself to be worth the work.. in many areas of my life! i easily relate daily situations to my brain's growing files of Truth. It doesn't take a super smart person or a seminary student to learn this stuff, just someone who recognizes a need for wisdom beyond our human capacity.