by Nick Miller

Who is building you up?

This past week has been incredibly busy, yet wonderful and energizing at the same time! In my current work situation, I get to work in the family business of interior design and contracting. Working with my hands has always been a joy of mine, but working with the family and leading Cœur Church at the same time proves to be a busy task. The ministry life is full of life changing moments, yet at the same time, can be draining and exhausting. We try to find a balance in life, making sure our home life is of the greatest priority, then serving others in anyway that we can!

My wife and I found our evenings packed this week! We got to meet with so many wonderful people these past few evenings that has rejuvenated our energy for the mission. It is interesting to see that we are full of fervor even though the evenings were filled with meetings and “get-togethers.” There is a passion that is created when you are around people that build you up, challenge you, hold you accountable, and encourage you!

Community is vital to the Christian walk! I thought that this week would be exhausting. My natural response to busyness is to hide away after the responsibilities are handled. I don’t know how you handle stress and exhaustion, but this is how I respond. However, this week was different. This week reminded me about the true power of community within our life.

Through the one-on-one conversations and the gatherings, we have had an incredible week. My faith has been encouraged, my vision for our household and church was strengthened, and my personal “self” feels lifted! There is a supernatural power that flows from surrounding yourself with incredible people.

How can community be so powerful? Why would simply being around those who are chasing after Jesus build me up? Genuine life-changing community with others begins with genuine life-changing community with Christ. To see the power of heaven within our community, within our conversations, and in our family…it all starts with our connection with Him! Listen to how the writer of the Book of Hebrews describes our connection to our God:

”Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:19-22

The creator of everything in this universe doesn’t want to be far from us, but made a way for us to be close, to be in community with Him. We can enter into His presence, draw near to Him, because of what Jesus did for you and me! Christ models the desire and priority of community for us. Christ knows that community is so powerful that He would make a way for us to be close with Him.

From this community, there is wonderful fruit that grows in our life. As we are closer to Him, we begin to have peace. When we go to Him, He will bear the burden of our anxieties. When life feels overwhelming, He can give us rest. With Him by our side, we can walk with renewed and supernatural energy.

However, this scripture doesn’t just talk about being close to Jesus. The writer continues on to describe how we can operate in a similar way with one another! Listen to the writers command to invest in one another through community:

”Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:23-25

Meeting with one another is a discipline, a created habit that builds our life! Our meetings, our gatherings, and our connection pushes us to live the life that we are called to live in Christ. I love the mentality that the writer describes. That when we meet, we are to spur one another, challenge one another, push one another to live a life worthy of the Gospel. Up until the Day, we are called to encourage one another in community. If you are feeling lonely, if you are feeling defeated, if you are struggling, and if you are lost, I would encourage you to find and throw yourself into a community.

Take these words to heart! Do not shy away, play the “hard to get” game, or choose to “stay in” for an evening. I believe, and have found, in my greatest moments and lowest moments that the community around you can help you through any season. I am so thankful for my friends, family, and church community; they have certainly re-energized me this week!

photo: unsplash.com