Collective Rhythms

The church body of which I am a covenant member (Not sure which part of the body I am. Perhaps I am a toenail?) has been going through a series on "Rhythms of Abiding". Our pastor's goal has been to focus on collective rhythms which has been interesting. I expect when most Westerners think of spiritual formation or growth, we put it in an individual context. I know I do. Most of the books I've read do the same. I think of quiet times and solitude and fasting and Scripture memory and other such practices for myself and how they impact me. Even when I do things with others like prayer or worship or Bible study, I still am thinking of how I am experiencing it. How about you?

When someone asks about your spiritual life, your growth in Christ, your abiding, how often do you answer in collective terms? No judgment here; I'm just raising awareness.

EITHER/OR or BOTH/AND?

Does it matter whether we do it collectively or individually? My assumption is both are important and living too far on either side of the spectrum will cause us to miss important aspects of life in Christ. What does "too far" mean? Each of us will have to discern that.

I bring this up because I found it challenging and encouraging. As I reflected on it, I realized how much of my spiritual growth has been shaped by my community for better or worse. Even now, I realize how the lack of a cohesive community like I have had in the past is impacting me. I have friends and am happy with my church and am involved in a couple of monthly small groups, but they are disconnected from each other, and I'm realizing how much I am missing. Generally speaking, having a purpose and vision - personal or even family - apart from a wider community is usually not God's design although it is the norm for many people. Times may come when God calls someone into a more solitary season, and He may call some into a more solitary life ministering in pioneer settings relatively alone, but I want to stress that is not the norm in the Bible. A community with a common vision and purpose is the norm. We often miss this because of our individualism bias.

DEEP DESIRE

This explains what we are looking for in cheering for sports teams; we all want to be part of a tribe. Take a look at the sea of Orange and White at Neyland Stadium on a Saturday in the fall if you need a visual. I see it in my son as he goes to the local climbing gym and feels connected to that sub-culture. I expect some people feel it with their colleagues if they are bought in to the company for which they work. Serving on a cross-cultural ministry team for many years was wonderful in this regard. Of course, none of these things is the end all of life, only Jesus is. He must be our vision, but all these things reveal a deep desire in us to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to be connected to others, and to be encouraged on the journey.

How about you...

• How does your soul long for a collective experience?
• Is it getting it?
• What role does Jesus play in it?
• How are you experiencing Him in it?
• If you lack it currently, in what ways are you (maybe unconsciously) compensating for it?

Take some time to have a conversation with your loving heavenly Father about this. He is very much with you in this.

Remember, your current situation is a season whether good or hard, and it will change. Perhaps, this fact is something else to ponder, but feel free to just be in the moment.

I pray you are experiencing the gift of Christ-centered community,

Duke

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