Community

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are never mentioned apart from each other in all of scripture. Always together. These three friends lived life together, prayed together, stood together when ordered to bow to a pagan god and because of their refusal to worship a golden statue were thrown in a blazing furnace…together. (Daniel 3)

What an incredible testament to the power of community. Would Shadrach, Meshach or Abednego have stood alone without the other two by their side? Did Abednego try to back out only to have Shadrach and Meshach encourage him to stand with them? We don’t know, but we do know that together their faith was tested and together they stood strong, confident in their God.

This summer, on a weekend without groups, I led our Colorado staff on a backpacking trip. As we loaded our packs and began to walk away from civilization, we took note of the dark clouds and thunder that seemed to be headed our way. Within minutes of being on the trail, the rain hit us. For the next six hours on trail and into the night the rain poured while the temperature dropped into the mid-forties. I stopped several times to assess the group and offer a chance to turn around. While the misery of being wet, cold, tired and seeing no end to the rain in the near future was evident in the majority of faces, no one was interested in going back to the warmth and comfort of our staff condominium unless we ALL went. Since a few voiced that we should continue on and no one objected…we hiked on.

The point of this story is that it was community that kept the staff together in miserable conditions. Each individual was more interested in staying with the group in wet and freezing conditions than being alone in comfort.

True community happens when we put aside our own desires for the benefit of those around us. When we can be vulnerable and transparent with our struggles and needs without fear of judgment. When we are willing to love, encourage and pray for each other without judgment. When everyone feels safe and God is glorified, that is when true community can happen.

It is not easy for the enemy is absolutely against it. It is not perfect because community involves people who are not perfect. But when you work for it and find it, it is incredible. Yes, it is work and it will require you to take the first step, but there is nothing like walking with a true community of believers.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to die together; shouldn’t we be willing to live life together?

Lance Giles