Community and Imperfect People
Kyle Stutzman
Way back before everything shut down, we were able to do these things called “camps” where students were all in the same place for a weekend and we got to pursue Jesus together, it was awesome. This last winter camp we had a panel of leaders who were given questions from students anonymously, and one question in particular really stood out to me.
“Why is community so important if people always fail me?”
This question kinda blew my mind. And I had to stop before answering. I realized two things. One, the students of today are more lonely than ever but have a hard time with community. Two, people feel let down by others within the church A LOT. I’ve heard this story so many times in the past. “I was involved in church, so and so did this to me, or said this, or I got kicked out of this, and now I haven’t been in years.”
My encouragement to this student, and to anyone else who feels this way, is this: Community is only made with failed, imperfect people, and it’s also amazing and one of the most vital things we do in life. Paul knew this in Romans chapter 3. He said:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
No one can measure up. But it is through Christ we are justified. Verse 24 says “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Thank the Lord for that! The playing field is leveled by Jesus. His Grace is greater than our failures.
Scripture is also full of the importance of community. We aren’t designed to go it alone. From the very beginning, God made Eve so that Adam may have a partner, since then we’ve tripped up and messed up that bond, but it’s importance has never stopped.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
This time of COVID has reminded us of how important community really is. To see another person, to share burdens with each other. To laugh, to cry, to sing, to relax in another person's presence. Even just getting to sit with a good friend for a few minutes, brings so much joy. I told this student and I tell you, never give up on other people. Never give up on your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all going to mess up, and we can own that and spur each other on. Forgive quickly, raise each other up, and let's encourage one another to pursue Jesus. It's never stopped being important, and it's also more important now than ever.