Look at the following statements from the New Testament about how we should live in community with one another:
- “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).
- “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
- “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21).
Much of today’s church and what we call “community life” is far from what the New Testament describes and calls us to. Lay down our lives for our small group friends? First let’s get them to show up! Our work, our kids’ schedules, even our church activities compete for our attention. Ask most people how they are doing, and you’ll get a standard one-word answer: “Busy!”
The normal reaction many small group leaders and members make to this busyness is to lower their commitment to their small group. “Let’s meet every other week rather than weekly. That way, people will be more committed to the group.” I have never seen this work. Lowering your commitment level will not make you more committed!
Once again, we must relearn how to live in healthy, sacrificial community, as God created us to live. A good start may be to understand one simple biblical truth: “we belong to each other,” not to our jobs, possessions, favorite TV shows, social media, kids’ activities, or, well, you fill in the blank.
When your small group becomes something to squeeze into a packed, hectic schedule—when you have to “find the time” for the important people in your life—then relationships are not your top priority. Something’s out of whack. Perhaps what’s urgent has taken the place of what’s truly vital in your life.
