Importance of Community

Dear Beloved, 

        Now more than ever, I understand the necessity of community. I grew up hearing everybody say, "pick your friends wisely." I never understood why people said that. I obviously wouldn't be friends with dangerous people. Right? Wrong. Just because they aren't handing me drugs or kidnapping me doesn't mean that they aren't dangerous to me. 

    As Christians, it is dangerous to be in the vicinity of anything worldly, including people. Proverbs 23:4 says, "Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it." It's like taking a new fluffy white towel and throwing in some mud, believing that "I can clean it, I got this." Then what's dirty? 1 Corinthians 15:33, "Do not be deceived: 'bad company ruins good morals.'"

    I'm not saying that we shouldn't evangelize and share the Gospel with others, because that's what Jesus did, and we're supposed to be like Him in every aspect. What I am saying is, watch who you hold close to your heart. Why? Because whoever you let close to your heart will have a direct effect on your emotions, choices, thoughts, and actions. Proverbs 13:20, "He who walks with the wise, becomes wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm."

    A couple of months ago, I had a friend's sibling reach out to me and inform me about this group of Christian teens that he was starting. I had just started my blog and was looking for some accountability, so my first thought was YES!! 

    I went into this group, only knowing one person there -barely knowing- let alone the rest.The ways in which I’ve personally grown since joining this group are insane . I have been inspired creatively. Motivated to read my Bible. My music taste has changed. They introduced me to people I have never heard of but are so inspiring. All because I got plugged into a community of people who want to love and pursue Jesus as much as I do. 

    Before them, I had never really had a solid group of Christian friends. I never really fit in at my old church's youth group. And while the "friends" I did have claimed to be Christians and came to church with me, their lives weren't reflecting that. They didn't help me grow at all. The difference I saw in myself once I changed my surroundings... blows my mind. 

    Who we surround ourselves with is important. How we uplift others is important. Our community affects our souls. And our ability to reflect God's love affects our community too.