Month: February 2011 (Page 3 of 3)

Devotions from James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community.

The good and beautiful community is a generous one but sometimes we miss out because we hold false narratives. One such narrative is “God helps those who help themselves”. That is not Biblical but said by Ben Franklin who was a deist. This narrative works against generosity, and somehow it seems to get us off the hook to help someone else in need.  It is not that God helps only those who pull themselves up and get their act together and work hard.  In fact we are told in scripture not to judge those in dire straights. Even if they have bad habits and are lazy or make bad decisions, they may not always be responsible for their situation. What makes us think that our good condition is tied to our good works and that we deserve it? The truth is that God helps those who cannot help themselves.  We are all broken and helpless and we are all in need. We may work hard to earn a living and buy a home but we are still helpless. We must rely on the mercy of God every moment and He is so gracious to us.

Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community

The Good and Beautiful Community is not afraid to hold us accountable. To hold someone accountable is not easy and we must do it with discernment.  In I Thess. 5:14 it says “We urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.”  To admonish means to warn, to watch out for and to give guidance to another. When we open our lives to others, we expect they will tell give us a word of warning if we need it. But with love!  The author himself gave an example when he took on too many speaking engagements and his small group stepped in and told him he needed to cut back. We all need someone to watch out for us and also to encourage us when we lose sight or strength, when we fail or are disappointed etc. Encouragement is an important part of accountability. So often we may think of accountability as something negative but has to do with encouragement as well as keeping high expectations. We do need other Christians in our lives who are convinced that we can do great things, applauding us when we succeed or pulling us up if we fail. May we stand with each other in prayer and be encouraged, challenged, and accountable!

Devotions from James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community

In the good and beautiful community we are asked to reflect the glory that is ours as His children. This involves encouraging one another, admonishing and watching over one another in love. Also to become involved in specific activities on a regular basis that are growth-producing….like time alone with God, to making friends outside our comfort zone, to meeting regularly with an encouragement partner etc. The Spirit will help us and lead us to use our unique abilities and gifts to bless others. As we offer our gifts and resources to help others, this is a natural outflow, not a law. We are being given opportunities to live out our calling and we can do so with joy and excitement. Paul says, “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Heb. 10:24-25   Let us think of how we can encourage others to love and good deeds and be close to others who do the same for us.

Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community

To be both a comforting and challenging community at the same time we must remind each other of who we are, show each other what we can be, and have the courage to hold each other accountable.

Our identity is one who is loved, forgiven, cleansed, and destined for eternity. As we gather in His name we are set apart from worldly ways to be a light to the world.  In a sense we are already holy and yet we’re still learning how to be holy. We are holy yet broken, and yet a carrier of His presence and power. Some churches stress holiness in terms of behavior and get the focus on rules and not on Him. Others may not hear the message of holiness. So we need a balanced awareness that we are holy and we are broken. The author tells about a church called Claypot Church that breaks a clay jar and gives each person a piece. When the jar is reassembled it is not perfect as no church is but it contains the treasure, which is Christ.  His light can shine out of our brokenness, when we have allowed Him to heal and restore us.  Let us remind each other of who we are!!

Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community

Sometimes we may think that the community exists to serve me and my needs, and that they should not tell me what to do. We live in a consumer culture and it leads us to believe we are entitled to have all of our needs met. Narcissism is present in our churches as well, and when we church shop we want one that makes us feel comfortable…one with low expectations of us as participants. But the good and beautiful community wants more… it exists to shape and guide our souls, to provide encouragement and accountability that we need. Isn’t it better to have a community that is not afraid to ask us to make a commitment to our own spiritual growth and service to others? Who offers us a pattern of transformation?  One who challenges us to become who we already are? ( One in whom Christ dwells)   Who watches over us with love, offering comfort but also warning so we can grow in Christlikeness?

As we gather together to worship we are being shaped into a people being transformed by God and being sent out to change the world.  When we leave worship as all new people, we are inspired by our connection to one another and the old old story to bring the aroma of Christ to the world.  Isn’t that awesome?