The following has been adapted from Map 15 of The Map Maker, our first book, written to encourage, edify, and equip leaders in the workplace to become disciple makers and transformation agents. Pursuing such an adventure requires community – particularly in seasons of storms and chaos.
In Part 1, we explored the meaning and mystery of fellowship, and the incredible vision for community Jesus expects and empowers. In case it was not made clear, the Bride making herself ready for the return of Christ (Revelation 19:7) includes our living in community the way God prescribes.
Said another way, the Body of Christ becomes the Bride of Christ when we are made “perfect in one (John 17:23)”, and “we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).” Commitment to the prayer and vision of Christ will hasten the day of His return.
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 2Peter 3:11-12
What manner of persons ought we to be, living in community with one another? As He does with all things important to His kingdom, God has clearly communicated His ways – in the “one another” passages.
The “One Another” Fellowship
Map 15 of The Map Maker references fifteen passages to describe the “one another” fellowship. Here, we will focus on the most profound and challenging. As we search them out, let the truth encourage you in your pursuit of God’s way for living in community.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
Perhaps the most profound and challenging command of the New Covenant, to love one another as Jesus loved us is the identifying mark of His disciples. Lest we forget, that love (agape) was sacrificial; it came in humility, with no reputation, as a bondservant, unto death… even for those who do not deserve to be loved.
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5
Not only are we members of Christ’s body, we are members of one another. God’s way for living in community exceeds the powers of observation; it is something beyond the natural realm.
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Romans 15:5-7
God’s way for living in community empowers the renewal of our minds (i.e., transformation) through the appropriation of the mind of Christ, whereby we become unified in thought and worship. Receiving one another (i.e., to grant another access to one’s heart) manifests God’s glory – the very purpose of our creation.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9
One of the saddest things to see are fellowships in close geographic proximity living apart from one another. Rather than serve each other, they glory in themselves. Satan uses this to set in motion a hideous cycle of vain glory, envy, and one-upmanship.
Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another. Mark 9:50
“Have peace with one another” is not an option; it is a command of our King. Note His use of the word “with”. Our peace is to be found with one another, not in avoiding one another.
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
The issue is not how we assemble – from small groups to large denominations – but the heart we have for each other as we assemble. Is our desire for ourselves and our group, or for something greater? To fight the temptations of sectarianism, we must be intentional about our assembling together in love for the whole Body of Christ.
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 1John 4:12
God has established the conditions and the promises of His kingdom… and they are found in His way for living in community. His abiding in us, and the perfection of His love in us, are conditional on our love for one another. Stop for a moment and think about the implications of this condition. What measure of God’s blessings are we missing in our refusal to love one another.
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1Peter 3:8-9
Know that you were called to this, the condition of our inheritance in Christ. This alone should provide the necessary motivation for repentance and pursuit of God’s way for living in community.
Where Do We Begin?
I confess this is the most challenging facet of my walk with the Lord. My heart seems far from the revelation of these verses. The church in America is so divided. How far have we drifted from God’s way? How did we get here? More importantly, how do we find God’s perfect will in our love for one another? Where do we begin?
A few encouraging answers come to mind:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2
God’s way for living in community requires sacrifice (a reasonable request) and a forceful resistance to the ways of this world. Repentance (to change one’s mind) catalyzes the renewing of our mind, which in turn guides us into the perfect will of God.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13
Whatever it means to you, finding God’s will requires our participation with His work in us, with fear and trembling. The meaning for me: I must trust Him to will and to do, and my fear and trembling relates much to my getting in His way.
Here’s a good question: If God is working to will and to do, what responsibility has been left to me?
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live. Deuteronomy 30:19
“Choose life” is our chief responsibility. Now, unpacking that phrase requires more words than we have room for here. The pertinent point is “choose”. Choose to live in community God’s way with those He has put in your sphere – spouse, family, small group (start small and learn). Confess your choice to God, wait on His encouraging word, and obey as best you can. He will certainly respond with mercy and grace.
A Word to Leaders
Leaders in the workplace (including the religious kind) are uniquely positioned to experience God’s blessing through the “one another” fellowship. By bringing together employees, customers, and others within their spheres of influence, leaders in the workplace will be used by God to break down the walls which separate us. The church in the workplace will once again experience the power of love in community, and the world will see God in our love for one another. Answer God’s call and receive your kingdom inheritance in Christ.
God bless you with courage and grace, discernment and wisdom, in His way for living in community.
Have a strong day in the Lord and in the communities He has called you to serve,
Rob
#iamjustthepen