Develop to Deploy

At the beginning of Luke 12, Jesus addresses a massive crowd of people. A relatively small number in the crowd that day are all-in disciples of Jesus. Many in the crowd are merely interested onlookers, some are unsure about Jesus altogether and some are even antagonistic toward Him. In the middle of this powder keg of competing views, Jesus warns the small and faithful few to “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” This passage, like so many others like it, serves as a crucial reminder that the vast majority of Jesus’ commands are given within the context of community.

Why is this significant? Because it tells us that obedience to Christ is a community project. Jesus knows that our faith, even the small, mustard-seed sized variety that we often possess, has to be fleshed out, lived, before others. Whatever community of people we find ourselves in (home, work, school etc) will always be the context of our faith on display for the watching world. This communal context of the Christian witness among non-Christians, necessitates the communal support of other Christians. To say it bluntly, since our faith is tested in community (and the urge to be hypocrites is so profound) Jesus uses community to disciple us.

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus writes letters to seven churches. Not one is commended for being large; rather, they are either rebuked for their lack of faithfulness or commended for their faithfulness. This underscores a vital truth: the quality of disciples we make as a church is directly connected to our willingness to take responsibility for the spiritual health of fellow disciples.

The health of any church will never exceed the willingness of its people to help one another be faithful disciples of Jesus. We must be willing to do the difficult work of refusing to look the other way when a believer is being destroyed by sin or dismantled by suffering.

Christian: Stop minding your own business.

• If you see a brother or sister discouraged and disheartened: STOP AND ENCOURAGE THEM.
• If you see a brother or sister wavering in their faith or pursuing false doctrine: STOP AND WARN THEM.
• If you see a brother or sister riddled with fear and worry: STOP TO STRENGTHEN THEM with the GOSPEL.
• If you see a brother or sister mired in unrepentant sin: STOP AND CALL THEM TO REPENTANCE.

Here is what I have found: the more you look to Christ, the harder it is to look the other way when you see a struggling fellow disciple.

Let us embrace our role in the community, taking active steps to support and disciple one another, ensuring that our churches grow in faithfulness and discipling-depth.

Practical Steps to Foster Community

To foster a community of readiness and faithfulness, we must actively engage in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This means we need to be vigilant and proactive in our relationships within the church. It’s not enough to attend services and then retreat into our private lives. We must live out the “one another” commands in tangible ways. Here are a few practical steps:

• Building Relationships: Take time to get to know your fellow church members. Join small groups, attend the weekly gathering and make an effort to connect with new faces. Building strong, supportive relationships is foundational to fostering a sense of community.
• Offering Practical Help: Look for ways to serve those in need within your church. Whether it’s providing a meal, offering a ride, or simply being a listening ear, practical acts of kindness can make a significant impact.
• Praying Together: Make prayer a central part of your interactions. Praying for one another strengthens spiritual bonds among believers.
• Mentoring and Discipleship: Invest in intentional discipleship relationships. Seek out mentors, and be willing to mentor others. Discipleship is a two-way street where both parties grow in their faith and commitment to Christ.

Let us embrace this responsibility with joy and dedication, knowing that in doing so, we honor Christ and fulfill His commands.