In Chapter 7 of The Prodigal God, Timothy Keller concludes his discussion of the ways our lives will be shaped by Jesus’s gospel message as he presents the fourth way to experience a feast.
4. Salvation is communal. Feasts are by definition communal. However, as Pastor Keller notes, we live in a culture where the interests of the individual take precedence over family and community. Yet we can’t grow spiritually unless we’re deeply involved in a community of believers. The author states: “You can’t live the Christian life without a band of Christian friends, without a family of believers, in which you find a place.”
C. S. Lewis expressed similar sentiments in an essay entitled “Friendship” from his book The Four Loves:
“For every soul, seeing Him in her own way, doubtless communicates that unique vision to all the rest. . . . The more we thus share the Heavenly Bread between us, the more we shall have.”
In the devastation of our ministry downsizing or vocation loss, physical and emotional isolation often result. Christian fellowship and community are essential for developing a shared perspective that provides the foundation for healing and renewed vision of God’s calling.
Today’s question: How have you maintained Christian fellowship and community during your desert, transition time? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Life in the pits”- a series of posts begins based on Max Lucado’s latest book, You’ll Get Through This.
