Welcome To Adulting By JP PokludaSample

Day Six

Finding True Community

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12

Today’s young adults are literally the most “connected” generation in the history of the world. But they’re also among the loneliest, with many of them having no close relationships of any kind. We’re more urban than ever; odds are, there are a few thousand people within a mile of where you live. But how many people do you hang out with and discuss important life issues with on a daily or weekly basis? You might have hundreds of people in your phone’s contact list or as social media “friends,” but how many of them have called you today just to see how you are doing? 

The message here is not just to have friends. It’s to have people in your life who provide you with community. A community is a group of people who are committed to being a part of your life and seeking what’s best for you, no matter what. They care enough for you to speak the truth to you, even if the truth is hard to hear, and love you enough to provide tough love if needed.

This is exactly the picture God uses when talking about this kind of relationship. Followers of Christ are almost always referred to as “brothers and sisters,” with the occasional “father” or “mother” thrown in when talking about believers who are older than you (Matthew 18:15; Acts 1:16; Romans 7:4). Jesus, who had literal earthly brothers and sisters, preferred to call his unrelated followers his brothers and sisters (Matthew 12:46–50).

Also, remember that anything God asks you to do is done for your own best interests. We’re reminded so many times to be in community because it is important and in your best interest. It’s good for you in the same way that exercise or studying is good for you. Exercise and studying aren’t always fun, and community can likewise be hard work, but it produces something great in your life.

In summary, it’s not good to be alone. God talks about community all the time in Scripture, showing why it’s needed, what it involves, and what it’s supposed to accomplish. Check in, encourage, and pray for one another.

What is a bigger temptation for you, hanging out with people who don’t bring out the best in you or isolating from everyone? Why?