Picture this alternate story…
Bob: Hi, I’m Bob and I want to learn about how to get fit.
Alex: Oh hey, I’m Alex. That’s so cool you want to get fit.
Bob: Yeah, I’m interested in learning about it and probably ready to commit to whatever the process is.
Alex: Awesome. I remember that feeling of wanting to be fit but not knowing who or what to ask. That all changed when I joined the YowzaGym. It’s been great for me and I know it would be for you too.
Bob: So, if I join the YowzaGym … what do I do there to get fit?
Alex: Oh, there are things you can do, but really the key is… belonging. Just being there is the deal, man. You show up, show your card and see the others who are … there … catch up on what they’ve read on fitness lately, greet any new people… maybe go to the game room, whatever! It’s awesome.
Bob: Sounds like they are probably some nice folks. But, what do you do after the greeting and catching up on the latest fitness blog entries and such?
Alex: Bob, I hear what you’re saying, I’ve thought the same thing… the whole “I must do things to make progress” approach. But, I’ve found that what really counts is being able to get around like-minded people and just be there. The fitness is almost a byproduct of just being there, you know?
Bob: (Blinks a couple of times.) Uh, I guess I don’t know because I can’t see how all that gets me from where I am to where I want to be.
Alex: It takes some time but if you just show up, you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s not so much about going somewhere as it is about being somewhere. As long as you are with other YowzaGym members it really doesn’t matter what you are saying or doing, it’s good to just be there.
________________________________
QUESTION: Have you been told to “just keep showing up” at meetings, and if you did that “growth will automatically happen” or “God will do what needs done in you”, etc.?
Did that work in your life? Did it work in your family? Your friends? If it did, it was because someone heard God’s Word and took action on it… by believing and then saying/doing their part.
To be clear, the community life seen in the New Testament is VITAL! We must have that. Christ-centered community is powerful and essential to healthy growth as a disciple of Jesus. I love true Jesus-centered community as much as anyone you can name.
However, if Jesus is not at the center of our gatherings, we will slip into “The Jesus Lounge”. We may have some good friends and some good times, but we won’t be supplying the life of Jesus to each other. Remember that the flesh seeks survival, comfort and entertainment as top priorities. Jesus is not content to be the cherry on top of a self-indulgent life. He is Lord and we follow him, period.
click to go to Bob and Alex, Part 4