Durham Cathedral
This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 NLT
Years ago, I moved to Leeds for work. Just after I’d moved, my car died. Wondering how I’d get to work, everyone in church said: “Catch the bus.” This was a revelation. The bus stop was outside my front door and I discovered not only were the buses frequent and reliable – everyone travelled on a great public transport system – but that Yorkshire folk, unlike my south of England experience, all chatted with complete strangers without a second thought. Travelling, therefore, was a great community experience.
In my view, a great public transport system is essential for a successful society, although during the Coronavirus crisis this wasn’t the case! But what does an effective Christian community demand? While God’s promise is unique for each individual, Christianity isn’t a private faith. I have my own personal devotional life, yet since Jesus appointed Peter the rock to build the Church upon (Matthew 16:18), there is an unavoidable social dimension to the outworking of our faith. We draw strength, perceive truth and impact our world through cohesion rather than independence.
The idea that I can sustain my place on this earth alone heightens my need to secure the provisions I require for my survival. I close my heart to the needs of others for fear that my safety may be compromised. One look at Jesus reveals that personal safety is not God’s great concern, merely mine.
Six weeks after I married in 1978, my wife and I had a large house filled with three friends. We wanted to live in an extended household. There were personality issues, yet there was also the tremendous discovery of finding how each one of us contributed something priceless to our life together. My discipleship was fast-tracked as I both learned from observation and had to discover the fruit of self-control in practice.
Often life is quite overwhelming until we discover who it is God has made us. Once you know, take time to develop that essential element for your own and others’ enrichment.
QUESTION
Do you know who you are in God?
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for putting me into the community of the Church – may I bless it, as it blesses me.
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