So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6, ESV)
In my time as a pastor, I have witnessed a certain phenomenon. I will see church members go through a crisis. They will go through a divorce, lose a job, or face a moral failure. But instead of turning to the church in these difficult times, they will turn away from the church. They leave embarrassed, and their pride gets in the way of seeking the help that they need. So they end up walking their difficult journey alone.
I have witnessed this many times over, and it breaks my heart. It is the exact opposite of what God intends to happen. We are on this journey of life together to help each other out. Sometimes the walls are broken down. And God gives us each other to come together to pick up the pieces and rebuild.
But part of the reason this does not happen is because of the American emphasis on the individual. We are taught to be all we can be as self-made individuals. So we prioritize our individual pursuits. And when our individual pursuits fall short, we are left with a sense of shame.
We can do so much more together than we could ever do alone. There is a reason that Jesus calls us to come together in unity. Sometimes you will hear someone talk about a “personal” relationship with Jesus. Jesus does not desire our relationship to be “personal” but to be in the context of community. His promise is that he is present where two or three are gathered in his name.
When our coming together is combined with the presence of Jesus, nothing is impossible. We will never fully experience Jesus nor will we accomplish all he desires for us if we are disconnected from community.
Nehemiah could not have built the walls of Jerusalem on his own. It was an effort that required the unity of the community and the providence and provision of God. They did it because all of them joined in on something bigger than themselves.
Reflection
- Are you pursuing the Kingdom of God on your own or in the context of community? How have you fallen short because you have prioritized your individual efforts separated from community?
- How has the experience of community enhanced your experience of God?
Prayer
Lord, too often I get so focused on my own individual pursuits that I miss out on the kingdom and community priorities that you have set before me. I miss out because I set my sights on what I can do alone rather than joining in on something bigger than myself. Give me a greater vision. Give me your vision to do amazingly more than I ever imaged, together with you and others. Amen.
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