Birds of a feather flock together. That’s why you never see a robin flying wingman in a “V” formation of geese or a crow hanging out with hummingbirds (actually, crows are mean enough that they don’t even like the company of other crows).
But we who are filled with the Holy Spirit are empowered to buck this law of nature and follow the example of Jesus. He shared His life with an unusual group of guys who were not like Him or even each other. What do the Son of God, a tax collector, an anti-government zealot, and a handful of fishermen have in common?
This kind of community was not natural, and—sadly—the first generation of Christians began separating over class and racial differences. Jews looked down on Gentiles, masters thought less of slaves, and the wealthy abused the poor. James ordered the church to stop giving preferential treatment to the rich (James 2:1-9) and Paul admonished the Corinthians to eat together rather than divide by class (1 Corinthians 11:33-34). He reminded the Galatians that “there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Henri Nouwen defined community as “the place where the person you least want to live with always lives.” Philip Yancey explains: “Often we surround ourselves with the people we most want to live with, thus forming a club or a clique, not a community. Anyone can form a club; it takes grace, shared vision, and hard work to form a community.”
Do you start conversations at church with those who are different from you? Do you invite people to dinner that you don’t particularly like? This kind of community is not natural. But it changed the world once, and it can do so again.
More:
• Matthew 11:19
• John 17:20-21
• Ephesians 2:14-15
Next:
When did you last share a meal or some time with a Christian individual or family from a different race or social or economic status? Who might God want you to invite into your world? Why?
pastortim on July 16, 2010 at 5:16 am
Unfortunatly many churches have become social clubs, people have lost there focus and turned from seeking God and bringing him themselves as an offering on Sunday morning to what can God or the church do for me today. Being a youth pastor I see this almost weekly to some degree. Lets not get discouraged, it’s up to us as individuals to make a difference by being the example. Just love.
Ese on July 16, 2010 at 7:55 am
Thanks Mike for the devotional; this is so true and I must say that I have become guilty of this. I go to church, listen, praise and will greet those around me when prompted by the pastor, but once the greeting time is over I forget the face of whomever I just said hi to, unless there is something remarkable about them that caught my attention…And I will be the first to admit that I tend to be judgmental based on how people present themselves; not focusing on the difference between rich and poor, but just the overall presentation. For example a young lady who shows up in a night club dress. As a christian I know I should not get into labeling such a person when I see one, but OMG it is difficult! May the Lord change my attitude!
Lamont on July 16, 2010 at 9:34 am
I attend a wonderful church. I’ve attended for four years with my young daughter — Sunday School for the both of us in addition to regular worship. Very Christ-focused. People are warm, particulalry towards my daughter.
But the embrace only goes so far. I’m there but am not part of the community. I feel like an outsider. I think it’s because I’m a divorced dad and everyone else seems to be two-parent families.
We dress well and are well groomed. We live in a nice community. I have a responsible, professional job. I’ve volunteered on special projects.
There are about three people I’ve been able to converse with deeply in the time I’ve been there. With everyone else it’s a warm handshake or hello, which is nice. Perhaps I could be more outgoing but it’s hard because I feel like outsider and I don’t want to push myself on anyone. It’s like being the person at the party who no one cares to talk to.
It’s disheartening because I need an encourager or a Christian ally to help me with my walk because I struggle at times. It is hard to do this alone. I would also help them. There have been many moments where I’ve been tempted to find another church. I’ve prayed about this.
mike wittmer on July 16, 2010 at 10:17 am
Lamont:
I think that your experience is pretty typical today, and it is hard to know exactly what to do. I would recommend, though, that before you give up and leave, that you invite someone–either an individual, a couple, or a small family with a child your daughter’s age–over for dinner or some sort of activity. I think that there are many “normal” two parent families that are longing for community as well–and they may be thankful that someone took an interest in them. Someone needs to take that first step. Why not you?
Lamont on July 16, 2010 at 10:36 am
Thanks Mike,
The timing of this post is absolutely amazing because this is something that has been troubling me. Just this morning I was thinking of visiting a different church this Sunday.
I guess I can be the one who makes the first move. I’ve been tentative. But there is one person I have in mind.
Thanks again.
hayakwah on July 16, 2010 at 7:07 pm
GOD bless you for allowing yourself to be used as a chanel for this message. Mike do you know that about 90% of churches are suffering from this problem? let’s pray for the heart of Christ so that we can love unconditionaly as He did.
mikan14 on July 16, 2010 at 11:57 pm
It’s hard to be with those who are different from us, but we must do the opposite, just like what Jesus has done when He mingled with the unusual people. They should feel welcome every time they attend a service or gathering, because that is what the Church is for =)