I moved to Midland at the end of May in 2020. The amount of people that I knew in Midland was limited to the people from Crestview’s staff and interview committee that I met during the hiring process. I knew immediately that having a group of friends, a community, was absolutely essential to how I was going to live in this new place. See, God instructs us in the Bible that having relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ is necessary for our pursuit of Jesus. I am blessed to have the community here at Crestview that I now have, but it didn’t happen overnight. I want to share the steps I took and the lessons I learned as I sought the core value of community in Midland and at Crestview.
Match Your Priorities to God’s Priorities
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NIV
The life we are called and commanded by Jesus to live simplifies to these two statements and actions: Love God and love people. There are no qualifying or disqualifying scenarios for these commands. They are conclusive. Following Jesus means we love God with all we’ve got, and we love people as ourselves. Getting the first one right will result in the second one, which is why Jesus lists them in the order and priority He does.
God is good. His will is perfect. He does not seek to withhold good things from us, rather He desires what is best for us. For you. His command for us to love Him does not come from a place of desperation or need on His behalf, it comes from a place of love for us - He longs for us to experience the life presently and eternally that is found solely with Him. We experience that as we love and trust the Almighty God with all of ourselves. Then He begins to change us, making us more like Jesus through our love for Him and then others.
Commit to Showing Up
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 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 NIV
It makes sense, and it is obvious to say it out loud, but it’s worth repeating and applying to your life: you won’t be a familiar face if no one sees you. I think one of the best things about how God moves at Crestview is through the sincere kindness of the people here. The people at Crestview care about the people at Crestview. I believe God has worked mightily in the hearts of the people here to show how He loves and sees people through the church. But if you don’t come in, you won’t see it. A key of community is simply showing up.
Be Real With People
Something that has made a big difference in how I have community in my life is the practice of transparency with people. It can be nerve-wracking to open up and be vulnerable about fears, temptations, and struggles in life, but part of the gift of community is having people who love you through all of those things. It is just another way that God is true to His Word.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 NIV
Biblical community is rooted in grace, restoration, and love. None of us are perfect. We all need help sometimes. There will be a season in which you need brothers and sisters in Christ to lift you up or restore you, and there will be seasons in life in which you will be involved with restoring someone else and carrying a burden. This is community; this is the body of Christ as Jesus desires it to be. I encourage you to take these steps if you are looking for community in your walk with Jesus. And I would encourage you to invite someone to take these steps with you. It is my prayer for you that you would experience the blessing that God has for you with a community of believers.
