From the Home Place

August 13, 2025

Hopefully you have noticed that for the last few days we have been discussing “spiritual disciplines.” I am very much of the opinion that learning to walk with Jesus is a life-long experience, and as such, we need to develop a hand full of disciplines that we live out on a regular basis. After years of Bible study, it seems to me that there is a list of seven or more disciplines developed from the life of Christ.

Thus far we have looked at some of these disciplines: Solitude, Prayer, Fasting, Scripture and today Community. I have absolutely no doubt that the Christian life is to be lived within a community – the community of your small group, the community of your church and the community surrounding you.

Let’s start with your small group. This can be a study group, or it can be your small group of close friends. This group usually consists of less than ten people. These are the folks that you share large portions of your life with. I have always said that my close friends are the people whom I laugh with, and cry with.

Community number two is your church family. No, you do not have to be extremely close to every person who attends your local body of believers, however the Apostle Paul does state, “In as much as it is possible with you, be at peace with all people.” Also, Jesus came to draw us together in oneness.

The last community I will mention is the community we live in. It doesn’t matter if you live on a Wyoming ranch 40 miles away from the nearest town, you are still part of a larger community. A community that is watching you live out your faith in Jesus. A community that has value in your life, as you have value in the lives of your community. As I always say, “No contact, No impact!”

When you were led to salvation in Christ, you became a part of community. Christianity never was intended to be lived alone. I once heard Pastor John Ortberg say, “We tend to sin alone, but we heal together.” When our life hurts, we need others to come along side us and help us heal. It’s within community that we are forged and formed into the person God intends us to be. Iron does sharpen iron.

Please remember, according to God’s plan: “We can accomplish much more than just me.” Oh I agree, it is often easier to work alone, but the real value comes from allowing others to sharpen who we are. We may die alone, but we are intended to live together. Celebrate your community!

Traveling across this ball of dirt with you, Neal