Created for Community

If I had known how much I would have to interact with people before I chose my career, I would have chosen a different career. I found myself thinking just the other day that a desk job somewhere seemed like a good idea. I fantasized about the perfect career that would allow me to hide behind a computer. A career that would give me the opportunity to be alone.

Most people in my career are extroverts. They enjoy discussing progress with parents and debating about the most effective course of treatments. Don’t misunderstand me. I love my babies and our therapy time. It’s the interacting with adults that I wasn’t anticipating or prepared for when I set out on the therapist track.

I’m an introvert by nature. When I’m around people that I’m familiar with, I become more vocal and feel freer. Unfortunately, my profession forces me to interact with total strangers on a regular basis. And God knew that when He placed this career path on my heart.

Given the choice, I isolate myself, and that’s not what He desires for me. He created me to operate in community. I’ve been receiving that message over and over. And although I don’t like it, I know that it is what’s best for me. It is in community that I receive correction…and protection.

Satan loves to isolate people. You’re vulnerable when you’re by yourself. I was watching a nature show and the lioness were able to devour a baby zebra that was separated from the pack. It is in community that I get to see God’s people in action.

As Christians, we need to do life together. Not apart. We not only need to do life together as Christians, but we need to do life together with unbelievers. Our lives can either be testaments of God’s grace or distract them from seeing His face clearly.

There is a world hungry for just a taste of the peace that Christians have. (Or the peace that we’re SUPPOSED to have). They can’t see how God is moving in our lives if we don’t do life alongside them. It is in community that we live lives that draw others to the light shining in us.

I have to continually step outside of my comfort zone and get involved in my community. There are too many baby zebras out there that Satan can’t wait to destroy. They work in the office beside you. They ring up your groceries at the grocery store. They hold the door open for you when you are entering a new building. We’re not leaving anyone behind. It’s not effective if I’m the only one trying to protect them. It is in community that we see souls won to Christ. #wepreach