7 values of community

Our life is meant to sit in the context of community.  We were made for it.  God created us in His image and He is community~ the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.  God created us from relationship for relationship. When you step into community, it isn’t always easy.  It can be messy.  It can be challenging.  And community is usually slow.  But it is worth it! 

I want to share with you 7 values that come from community:

1. Grace~ You need grace to do what God has called you to do and become the person God has called you to be. It takes more than your own effort.  You need to be with those who will fan the gift of faith into flame. In community, grace is a value that grows.  From it, you learn to walk with others in vulnerability and intimacy; to be the real authentic you. This value is extended when we need it.  Grace is always looking for the best in others and calling forth the gold in them.
2. Strength~ Lean into those whom God has put in your life.  When you disconnect from others who are pursuing the Lord like you are, it can cause your heart to lose strength.  In community, you give strength to one another to keep going.  Strength is a value that you gain from one another.  There will be areas that you are strong in and areas that others are strong in and when you come together, you can release the strength that someone else needs and someone will release strength that you need.
3. Wisdom~ Your own wisdom is not enough for your life.  You only see a part. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise.”  There’s almost nothing in life that you will figure out on your own.  Community provides a group of people who care about you and who have learned wisdom from their own experiences.  When you need advice or help, ask those in your tribe.  Look to someone who is a little further down the road from you.  Draw from those who have experienced more of life than you have.
4. Safety~ Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”.  When you need to make some big decisions or if there is something that needs to be thought through, bring those issues to your tribe.  Each person has blind spots and it is the wise one who recognizes that.  Safety comes when you seek others’ counsel. Many wrong decisions can be prevented by bringing big decisions to your tribe. 
5. Perspective~ One of the greatest values from community is that you get to hear from others who are in different seasons of life, different occupations, etc or have a different faith journey or life story.  Everyone’s story helps to give a fresh vantage point to your situation or circumstance.  When you are in the midst of a struggle or challenge or an obstacle is before you, your perspective can be skewed because you are in the middle of it.  Bring it before your tribe and ask, “How can I be thinking rightly about this?” or “Help me see this from a different perspective” or “Has anyone gone through anything like this?”
6. Courage~ The enemy will try to discourage you from going to deep places in God.  He will set obstacles in your path.  You need others who will pour courage into your heart and come along side you to say:  “Keep going.  You can do it.  You’re doing great! This season will not last forever.”
7. Grow in God~ Community pushes you toward growth. The Lord will give you people to challenge what you believe.  And He will give you those who will show you the power of who God is.  You grow through conversations, from watching your tribe-mates go through tough circumstances, studying the Word together, gaining wisdom from others, etc.

 
In each of these 7 areas, God has given you a certain amount:  You have a measure of courage, strength, grace, wisdom, safety, perspective and growth.  But you are not meant to live with the best you have in each of these areas, but with the best that comes from community in these areas.  Think about gathering with 8 people who have different core values, ways to communicate, upbringing, life experiences, work experiences, encounters with God, and a journey of faith.  What a gift to gather and connect!  Exponential multiplication comes when you share what you have with others and they share with you and along the journey of growing in community, you will grow in all those values and have more to pour out onto others.

If you are not already connected in community, my challenge to you is: Go find your people! 

Listen to the podcast 7 Values of Community