What does your community look like? Not where you reside but the individual people you interact with on a regular basis. I confess, most of my life, my community has closely resembled me; a middle class,college educated white woman who attended some kind of religious establishment at least twice a week.
Consider Jesus’ community when he walked on the earth as man. He was a friend to the tax collector, the prostitute, lepers, the lame, the blind, the broken. He took average men, fishermen, tax collectors and made them disciples. James and John, the sons of Zebedee were nicknamed ” Sons of Thunder” . How do you think they earned that nickname? I imagine they were loud and obnoxious, constantly bickering. Peter was a hot head also, always ready to jump in for a little contact. Even walking with Christ they often didn’t understand his parables or still believed his kingdom was going to be of earthly things. After being in community with Jesus for three years, he based his ministry on those same men to distribute the Good News.
The Church has largely told the world, “when you get your junk cleaned up, come.” Jesus said, “Come, and I’ll give you the power and authority to overcome your junk.” Are we not to be of the same mindset? Thankfully, I believe God is sending an awakening to his people. He’s raising up new prophets, teachers, healers, disciples and beautiful things are happening.
My own community changed a lot over the last two years and now includes, homosexuals, prostitutes, drug addicted, homeless and mentally challenged individuals in a mix of colors and cultures. The Holy Spirit is doing marvelous things, breaking down strongholds, healing broken places and identifying Jesus as their Savior. Some of them have started to believe it. Others aren’t sure yet. Some of them have overcome great difficulties but because of their faith have seen amazing results. I am thankful the Lord has brought each of them into my community. My prayer is I will love them each, the way my Lord does.
Take a look at your community and ask where the Lord is leading you. Let him diversify your group. He only has your best interests at heart, so have no fear. If your life looks a little mundane, ask the Holy Spirit to bring new people to your life who will stretch, bless and challenge you.
If we are to reflect Jesus on the earth, isn’t it time we do community like he did?
The Healing Tree 