Just as children raised by caring parents grow up to become mature, responsible adults who contribute to society, so our heavenly Father desires that his children should grow and mature to become the people he created them to be. The Bible is clear that such growth doesn't happen alone, in isolation, but rather through a rich, shared experience of community in the body of Christ.
In short, we get better through community. By rubbing up against people who are different from us and by sharing our unique gifts with each other, the church "grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:16)
So many of our struggles in the American church today are due to our ingrained tendency towards a self-sufficient, rugged individualism that hinders us from admitting needs or asking for help. We are materially wealthy but relationally impoverished.
But the early churches were in a struggle for their very survival, being a distinct minority in a hostile political climate. This struggle for survival made their shared experience of community all the richer.
Whatever your gifts are, commit to using them this week to grow and build up the body of Christ. After all, community is not a spectator sport.
