Community: What Does That Word Mean?

By Andy Geesey

July 1, 2007

Community, what does the word mean? Mr. Webster describes a community as "a group of plants and animals mutually reacting to create a common habitat".

I'm wondering if Mr. Webster's description of community could be applied to people. I know it is a little far fetched, but just consider for a moment, a group of people mutually reacting to create a common abode. For the greater good of all. It could very well seem a little far-fetched, when one considers the prevailing attitude that is present with all people, that is, the attitude of self-satisfaction. All individuals are by nature self willed, and seek after their own interest hoping to be self satisfied. The idea, that if it feels good do it, seems to be prevalent today and yet it is dangerous to any community because it teaches one to put self, self will, self satisfaction, above the needs of others.

Nearly 2000 years ago, the man Jesus sat aside his physical needs for the common good and benefit of all men, regardless of race, color, creed, or religion, so that all men might experience a true relationship with God the Father. He did this by taking upon himself the payment or penalty for the infection of sin that dwells in every man, woman, boy, or girl. He could do this because He was born pure and free from sin, and because he lived his entire life without committing sin. Because he accepted the penalty himself he is able to set men free from their debt of death or eternal separation from God.

This was the truest form of community, in that one man gave of himself for the benefit of all men. Today men and women are entering into this same community and becoming a part of the family of God, they heard the invitation to come and accepted it, simply by believing in what he has already done.

 

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