“Who needs the church?” we think. “It’s me and Jesus now.”

“My faith’s something private. Them? Holier than thou.”

“Too many hypocrites!” (“Oh, I’m not one,” I moan.)

“I’ll go when I want to. I’ll do this on my own.”

Privacy reigns supreme in western culture, now.

“To be isolated? It’s much ‘simpler’ and how!

No more people problems! No more criticism!

No more ‘damaged’ feelings! No more cynicism!”

But isolation cost a very hefty price.

Loneliness and aching, can put your soul on ice.

My growth surely slows down, I need advice that’s sound.

It’s in community that my real self is found!

If you are a Christian, His family you’re IN.

That is how He sees you; there is no “lone” Christian.

You need His family, part of your redemption,

And becoming like Christ, your sanctification.

He takes us as we are but will not let us be.

His shaping grace at work in His community!

Pastors, brothers, sisters, He handpicks His people.

He molds, shapes and builds us. We’re on the Potter’s wheel.

Unity must be built; it doesn’t just happen.

You must demonstrate love. Selfishness will dampen.

We must learn to defer, to be harmonious,

And find in others’ joys a shared delight, joyous.

I must face what’s in me, as painful as that be,

To expose ugly “self” if Christ be formed in me.

It’s in community I see some “little Christs”

That point the way forward, maturity’s device!

Life in community is not an easy thing.

My needs, my “self”, my way, to these I sadly cling.

Miscommunications and misunderstandings,

In His laboratory, His character shaping.

I must learn to forgive as Jesus forgave me.

I must learn to reflect His mercy that is free.

It’s not just any “love;” a certain kind of love,

His sacrificial love, coming down from above.