Abundance
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 10:55 am
I was just thinking last night about our culture, our wealth, and the general abundance of prosperity and freedom that we enjoy. While I celebrate our freedoms and the cost many paid, I have to be so careful not to abuse everything we are given as a result of, what I believe to be, the Lord's blessing.
I think one hinderance that I experience regarding true fellowship and community among even the body of Christ is because we are _so_ independent and have an abundance of wealth. I'm not saying it is like this everywhere or that there aren't pockets of it that exist… I'm just talking about some of my experiences. It is not impossible, but tough to find that type of community that exists as a family with that closeness of life and fellowship.
No doubt one of the reasons I think genuine community is so hard to find is because it takes a commitment and certain type of selflessness to contribute to that community -- which is no doubt the result of "being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." When you find that, I think that is something to stick with and really foster with fruit to see good growth, and not just physically, but Spiritually.
I have experienced that genuine community, having it "stripped" away through circumstances, and investing into new ones and struggling through the effort that is involved when building relationships. Where I currently am, I think I am leaning towards being very open in communication and discussion with a foundation of love and giving towards fellow brothers and sisters.
Morning thoughts, Jarrod
I think one hinderance that I experience regarding true fellowship and community among even the body of Christ is because we are _so_ independent and have an abundance of wealth. I'm not saying it is like this everywhere or that there aren't pockets of it that exist… I'm just talking about some of my experiences. It is not impossible, but tough to find that type of community that exists as a family with that closeness of life and fellowship.
No doubt one of the reasons I think genuine community is so hard to find is because it takes a commitment and certain type of selflessness to contribute to that community -- which is no doubt the result of "being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." When you find that, I think that is something to stick with and really foster with fruit to see good growth, and not just physically, but Spiritually.
I have experienced that genuine community, having it "stripped" away through circumstances, and investing into new ones and struggling through the effort that is involved when building relationships. Where I currently am, I think I am leaning towards being very open in communication and discussion with a foundation of love and giving towards fellow brothers and sisters.
Morning thoughts, Jarrod