Helping us See: The Light Christian Community Can Be

Background

A recurring theme in my life this semester has been community, and how much of a need it absolutely vital to the Christian walk. About a month ago, I went on a weekend retreat with my college ministry group. The last night some people had gone off to the basketball courts to play a game while others were starting to get settled in for the night. One of my friends was really not feeling good so I had stayed behind with her when the game group departed. When she called it a night, I went in search of the game group. 

They they weren’t where they said they were going to be, so I set off in search of them. I thought I saw some flashlights in the woods across the lake so I decided to cross the bridge and search for my friends. Now let me set the scene for you. The sky is overcast and completely blocking out the light from the moon and stars. I have no illumination at all except from the little flashlight app on my iPhone. I walked just a little ways into the woods, always staying on the trail that keeps the lake in view, and after walking just a little ways, not wanting to get lost, I decided to turn back. 

I reached the point where I was just positive the bridge was, but it was so dark that I couldn’t see it with just my little bit of light. I questioned myself, knowing I have a terrible sense of direction. Had I passed the bridge? Had I not gone far enough? But, being positive that I was in the right place I slowly walked towards the lake and when I got incredibly close, saw the bridge.
 

The Light of Christian Community
God showed me that night that trying to follow Christ on your own was like me trying to find a bridge- in the woods- in complete darkness- with a tiny little light. I’m a believer. The love and light of Christ is in me. Those in darkness can see light, no matter how small. But trying to find your way through life on your own, with just my your own little light is so difficult. It is far easier to see when you are with a group of people who love God and each have the light of his love shining in and through them. 

If I had been with others with their own lights in those woods I would have been able to see the land bridge- no problem. But on my own, I just couldn’t find my way. So I just want to encourage you, to find a group of believers and shine together.

How has Christian community helped you? Share in the comments below.

*first posted on 11/18/12 and updated on 1/1/19