Today’s Reading: I Peter 5
So many times in our current society, we have placed a big emphasis on individualism and independence. So many times we try to accomplish things by ourselves and without the help of others. Sometimes we think that this is a sign of strength, but it could also be a sign of weakness.
One of the strongest things that we have as a society is community. Community is more than just the gather of people, but it is a connection in a relationship between individuals.
In these writings of Peter, Peter is telling us how to become a community. He has given us information of how to lead and also how to follow. He is saying that each one is necessary for the growth of the whole.
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
6-7 So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
There is a native people in Tanzania called the Maasai, these nomadic people have as a right of passage, a hunting of a lion. This is where a young juvenile goes out into the wilderness and comes back with a lion to prove his ability to provide and to protect for the family and for the group. This is a very strenuous and a very powerful ritual. The individual has to prepare his entire life to be ready for this.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
Now, when individuals are not for the Massai group and they are on Safari, sometimes they will gather sharp branches and trees, and around the encampment to protect from lions, leopards, and hyenas.
We see here that with the proper training, the lion’s roar cannot affect a train hunter, but without that training you would be frightened by the prowling and roaring of the lion. But when you are in community, the lion’s roar would be less threatening. You have other individuals to help you and protect you.
This is what Peter is alluding to, when we are in community, we can build each other up and not be frightened as easily by the Iion’s roar. When we are community and we understand that we need each other and our different skills and strengths help to make us all better.
The community that we have is through the body of Christ. So many times we can forget through the different dogma of religion that we all connected. The body of Christ is not just for one individual denomination, but it’s for all of those who believe in Christ and the connection that we have through God.
May we continue to connect and share our love for Christ and each other and our love for community this week. May we be examples of Christ love for us.
Be blessed.
Community gathering around a central idea – Hog Roast
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