Introducing Community

The Apostle Paul said that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

I think Paul understood his humanity, his depravity, he knew his dark side. He knew what evils he had done in the past and what wickedness he was capable of now and in the future. This should cause us to realize that every sin that has ever been committed, you and I are capable of committing or to put it another way had you or I been in the Garden of Eden we would have sinned too. To think otherwise is simply our narcissistic egos or pride talking. Paul’s philosophy is unlike the persona that many Christians put on today. They portray their own spirituality, void of humanity and debauchery, by neatly putting on their hypocritical Christian mask and acting as though there is no darkness inside their heart or mind.

The result of all of this showmanship being acted out has prevented the church today from having a community, from having transparency, from showing weakness and living in holiness. You see, real community is people personally caring for each other spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. Each of these areas is vital and equally important if we are going to care for folks holistically. When we start helping and caring for others in our community, according to our own gifts and abilities, there will be no blanket solution but each individual will be cared for according to their needs on a spiritual, physical, emotional and mental basis.  Sadly the church and many Christians will only appeal to the spiritual while ignoring all other areas to the hurt and detriment of the person they are trying to help and in the end, the result is they end up doing more harm than good. How do I know? I have personally witnessed pastors doing this at different churches and I must confess I have done this ignorantly myself. We want to make everything a spiritual matter when in reality it isn’t.

We have this desire for community, to care and to be cared for, yet we do not want to appear to be vulnerable or weak. But we must understand that it is our story of personal brokenness that includes our despicable behavior, the darkness in our hearts which appeals to other folks that God uses to draw them to himself. This reality of our brokenness and sinfulness coupled with the ongoing deliverance of God through His mercy, grace, and love will form a Christ-caring community.  

Please note if certain adult words offend or anger you then please stop reading now and skip to the next bold sentence.

In speaking with a friend of mine this week these terms were exchanged between us.

“There's some fickle shit in my heart.”

“Deep down...we're all a hot ass mess.”

“We are narcissistic asses.”

You can start reading again.

The openness we have in talking about ourselves has enabled us to truly care and love each other on every level (spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally) and this without judgment. There are times we need a listening ear or another perspective or even some advice and thankfully we have that in those we are open with. Now compare this to pretending we are both all right and playing that “life is good” as many do on Sunday morning in order to lool good. We come to the realization that our transparency, our weaknesses on display, the vulnerability we show is creating comradery while bringing about community and producing holiness. Let me define holiness. Holiness is simply living with nothing hidden. That may need to sink in because we equate holiness to our outward appearance coupled with the perception by others of what they think we are.

I am glad I have friends where I can show my total broken, sinful, dark self and say God loves me as this complete mess and they say come on in His grace is simply amazing.