Essential for Survival

Living in community is essential for survival.

Mr. 4-Ever gardens, he fishes, and he hunts. In an effort to improve his skills, we watch a lot of … umm, “interesting” videos on how to grow stuff, catch stuff and kill stuff to drag home and put on the supper table.

There are videos of guys in boats, guys in trees, guys in bushes and guys lurking in the weeds with a goofy sounding noisemakers trying to lure game into striking distance.

Occasionally though, we take a break from guys in camouflage and watch a nature video.The ones of lions on the hunt are fascinating to me cuz they’re both interesting and educational.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

The one on the fringe.

Have you noticed that lions don’t ever go after the fattest, sleekest, most popular animal in the middle of the pack? They ALWAYS attack the weak, the broken, the isolated animal on the fringe.

Our enemy, the devil prowls after us like a lion, too, looking for weak, broken, isolated victims to devour. The ones on the fringe.

Don’t be an easy target.

We are safest in the midst of a herd. Living in community is essential for our survival. There is safety in numbers – more watchful eyes on alert for potential danger and more hands on deck to deliver assistance.

Finding your “herd” insures that when life takes an unexpected turn, you won’t be facing it alone. They will know what you need and be there to provide it whether it’s a meal or shoulder to cry on.

Don’t be like the feeble animal on the fringe of the herd waiting for the lion to pounce. Get into a community that will safeguard you and your future.

Finding your peeps.

Living in community is essential for our survival, but how in the world do we find and establish a one?

Join in stuff.

The pandemic that has isolated us for a year is finally coming to an end. As things open up and gatherings happen again, join in. Enroll in Bible study, a bowling league, or a book club. Volunteer at a school, a museum, a library, the blood bank or the hospital. Go do stuff you like to do, then look for interesting people who are doing it, too!

Be the one who invites.

Once you find an interesting candidate to be part of your community, invite her for coffee or lunch so you can talk. See if there is a spark. If you find enough common ground, keep talking … get to know one another. Arrange playdates or double dates or date nights or nights out.

Community means contributing.

Being part of a community means contributing. Some of my best memories are of soaking my sore feet while laughing with my girlfriend after a serving at church or school or other ministry event.

Community means celebrating.

Celebrate each other’s birthdays and promotions and pregnancies. Cue the confetti for all obstacles that have been overcome and every accomplishment achieved. Send cards, bake cakes, pull out the wine and cheese. 

Community means commiserating.

When the trials and tribulations come (and they will), you’ll be part of a community that holds your hand, lifts your head and prays for your heart.

Living in community is essential for our survival. How do you create community? Leave me a comment below!

Verse for today: 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 10:24-25