Why You Need Biblical Community
For
lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. -
Proverbs 11:14
A
severe rash prompted a man from a rural area to come to town to be examined by
a local doctor. After the usual history-taking followed by a series of tests,
the physician advised the patient that he would have to get rid of the dog that
was evidently causing the allergic reaction. As the man was preparing to leave
the office, the doctor asked him out of curiosity if he planned to sell the
animal or give it away.
“Neither
one,” the patient replied. “I’m going to get me a second opinion. It’s a lot
easier to find a doctor than a good bird dog!”
It
happens all the time, doesn’t it? People go around asking person after person
for advice until they hear the opinion that matches theirs. But the reality is
that we are the worst judges of our own actions because our opinions of
ourselves will always be more favourable than reality.
That’s
why throughout Scripture you’ll find verses like today’s that stress the need
to surround yourself with a biblical community who will encourage you with the
truth even when you may not want to hear it!
The
Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. There are no “Lone Rangers”
of the Christian faith. So if you don’t have a community of others who know you
and will help you grow in Christ, join a church Bible study or form a small
group that meets weekly. The best kind of spiritual growth you’ll ever
experience will come when you have others who’ll give you the “second opinion”
you really need!
Prayer Challenge:
Pray
and ask God to give you a community of believers who will help you grow in your
walk with Christ by encouraging you and giving you the “second opinions” you
need.