Why Do We Need Community?

"9 Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 

Jon Acuff is a New York Times Best Selling Author. He's written some awesome books. His latest book, "Finish", will be out soon. I found out about him a few years ago. I think he's funny. His book "Start" gave him the idea of starting a Facebook group of people he titled "30 Days of Hustle". This group was for people to help each other. It's a very encouraging and helpful group. I've had the pleasure of meeting many in the group, as well as Jon Acuff himself. 

Do you know what reporters talk to him about when he's being interviewed? It's not what inspired his writing, it's not how does he come up with his jokes. It's about his Facebook community he's created. People are floored that something like that exists. Especially in a cut throat dog eat dog world.

Jon knew the importance of community. My Pastor does too. He's message series this month is called "Stronger". Part 4 was about community.

We are stronger in community. We need each other, because there are those people who will chew you up and spit you out. There are mean, manipulative, hateful people in the world.

My Pastor, Josh's, 5 Benefits of Community are this:

1. Success: "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed."
2. Encouragement: "If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."
3. Keep the fire burning: "Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?"
4. Victory against the enemy: 1 Peter 5:8 "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer."
5. Strength: "Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

I am reminded of the Scripture in James Chapter 5:16 that says, "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." 

We NEED each other. God created us to live in community. Together, we can stand strong against life's storms.

I"m in GA, and don't have a lot of money, but I can pray for my fellow American's in Texas and Louisiana who are dealing with this storm. Even that is community.

Do you have a community? If not, I highly recommend you find a local church and plug in. 

If you need prayer, I'm always here.

God bless you today and always!