I have been thinking over the last few weeks about the nature of the church. But first, a story…
Not too long ago, I managed to get my truck stuck in the mud. The details are a little embarrassing and not germane to the point I’m trying to make, so I’ll leave them out. Suffice it to say, I was unable to remedy the situation by myself. I tried and tried to no avail. It’s not in my nature to ask for help, but I knew I had no other options. I called my good friend Derrick who came without hesitation. In the process, two good Samaritans happened along who also pitched in. In short, I spent an hour and a half unsuccessfully trying to get my truck unstuck. With the help of a friend and two friendly strangers, I was unstuck and rolling again in a matter of minutes.
If we pay attention, we can see God working in the stuff of everyday life. This story illustrates this idea for me. In sum, we need each other. It’s no coincidence that we are born into families. God created us for relationship and to help one another. God created the church to be the body where we find nurturing relationships and mutual support.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12b comes to mind, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help… A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Let us remember that whatever else the world throws at us, we need each other. This is a gift from God.
Yours in Christ,
Thomas Smith