I’ve been flipping through my files on “community,” both the files of memory and the paper files that clutter my office. “Community” is hard to define and harder to experience. Yet many are desperately seeking it.
That may come from family breakdown. After all isn’t “community” the close family-style relationships we all dream about, but few have in today’s world?
Some social scientists have made a case that we are living out community more in these trying economic times. Others have argued that it isn’t happening now, nor did it even during the dire days of the Great Depression.
Others point to data that shows our comfort comes, not from “community,” but from comfort foods. We seek solace in junk foods. Soda pop truck drivers, chocolate factory workers and cheese makers tell me they’re being forced into working six and seven day weeks. We’re watching more Netflix and taking staycations.” But are we seeking out one another for support…and then finding it?
Amidst the debates in my reading and my conversations I ran into an Alliance Community Hospital employee. He told the story of a person in their department who had to make the difficult choice of paying for medicines or paying rent. The other employees in their departmental “community” reacted by reaching into their pockets to pay their colleague’s bills.
That’s community. It doesn’t matter how you define it; what matters is how you show it.
In the middle-ages, when the plague was sweeping Europe, and even families were abandoning their sick, Christians took them in and nursed them until they died or survived. That’s the kind of community people are seeking.
Where will they find it? In churches, neighborhoods, families, work, clubs or other associations? Are many longing and looking desperately for the government to provide their caring and community? I believe they will be deeply disappointed.
Where people find true community will be the place they will be loyal to and love for years to come. May our churches take this opportunity to shine and step up. Others should do their part, too. Can we really have too much true community?
“In the same way, let your light shine before me that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
