{Be Loving} New Year, New Community…?

Spiritual Growth

January 2, 2015

The new year brings a lot of, well NEW. But not only that, it brings a great sense of continuation. I want to start this off with a question – does the new year mean new community as well?

Lately there’s been a deep burden on my heart to see community thrive. I’m moving back home for a season and have been constantly in prayer about what I God wants me to do when I’m back home.

Often I think I fall into the trap of wanting to find the “new and exciting.” What I mean is that I always want to see something started – I find myself planning great new things and pouring my energy entirely into something that has yet to happen instead of looking around and tending to what’s already going on.

So instead of pioneering something new, The Lord has been showing me not only the importance of being present in the community you’re already in, but also what it means to dwell and thrive in it as well.

There’s a quote that says something along the lines of, “sometimes the biggest and most brave step you can take for God is staying where you are.” I know in westernized culture, the idea of “wanderlust” (wanting to be on the move, always traveling and exploring) is something that is greatly romanticized. Now of course exploring and traveling isn’t bad (in fact, we are called to go to the nations in Matthew 28) but there is so much value in where you are and who you’re with right now.

When I asked “does the new year mean new community?” it was meant to be slightly rhetorical. Perhaps The Lord has called you to pioneer something new in this season – like being a leader in a small group – but regardless He has you “here and now” for a reason. The new year gives us amazing permission to step out in faith and go “all in” with the community around us instead of feeling pressure to start something new. Don’t be afraid to pour into the community in your midst – your school, church, even the grocery store. Love extravagantly everywhere you are and everywhere you go.

Over this month I want to dive into what it looks like to be in community in the sense of church and also give you some tips and ideas on how to revive the community you’re a part of through His love.