We are the Church Part 3 - We are Community, Built to Build Others
We Are Community: Built to Build Others
Have you ever walked into a place and wondered, "What am I doing here? Do I actually belong?" This feeling isn't uncommon, especially when we find ourselves in unfamiliar environments or communities that seem different from what we're used to.
Do I Really Belong Here?
Many people struggle with feelings of not fitting in, whether it's at church, work, or other social settings. Sometimes God places us in situations that don't seem like a natural fit on the surface. We might find ourselves in communities where the worship style is different, the culture is unfamiliar, or the people don't look or sound like us.
But here's the truth: in Christ, you belong. Not because you match a certain style or have the right background, but because Jesus brings people in just as they are. Look at Jesus' disciples - they came from completely different walks of life. Some were fishermen, others were tax collectors, some were rebels, and others worked in various trades. Yet Jesus entrusted His kingdom to this diverse group.
What Does Scripture Say About Belonging?
In First Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul explains that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, different kinds of service, and different ways God works, but it's the same Spirit, the same Lord, and the same God working in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each person not to hoard, but to help each other out.
This diversity isn't accidental - it's intentional. God designed the church to be different from the world's approach to community. While companies invest in diversity strategies for profit, the church was never meant to be for one type of person. Jesus chose people who were often overlooked and rejected, bringing them together to show the world what He could do.
Unity Without Uniformity
Galatians 3:26-29 tells us that we are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile (no social classes), slave or free (no economic classes), or male or female (no gender hierarchy). We are all one in Christ Jesus.
This unity doesn't erase our cultures, stories, or histories. You don't have to abandon your background or preferences. Unity means that our deepest identity isn't found in our cultural background, music preferences, or economic status, but in Christ.
What Do I Do With What God Has Given Me?
Once we understand that we belong in Christ, the next question becomes: "What do I do with what God has put in me?" Every person matters in the body of Christ. Paul says that spiritual gifts aren't about showing off or gaining status - they're about service, building each other up, and strengthening the body.
Think of it like bodybuilding. Bodybuilders know that you can't just work out the big muscles. The small muscles that don't get much attention are crucial because without them, they can't support the bigger ones. Everyone matters in building up the body.
Different Gifts, Same Purpose
The church doesn't have just one specific way for you to belong. God gives different gifts to different people:
- Some serve through encouragement
- Others are builders and fixers
- Some are organizers with attention to detail
- Others are creative storytellers and artists
- Many are quiet caregivers with compassion
- Some are natural problem solvers
All of these gifts are needed weekly, and they're all designed to help each other out and create an environment where Christ's message can transform lives.
Biblical Examples of Unexpected Calling
In Exodus 31, God chose Bezalel to build the tabernacle. Interestingly, Bezalel wasn't from the tribe of Levi - the only tribe typically allowed to serve at the temple. He probably couldn't preach or lead worship, but God filled him with His Spirit and gave him incredible craftsmanship skills to build God's house.
Similarly, in Acts 6, when the early church was growing and gaps formed in caring for widows, the apostles didn't try to do everything themselves. Instead, they selected seven men full of the Spirit to handle this important ministry, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching. As a result, God's message continued to spread.
Your Gifts Matter
What has God given you that you can do well? Often, if it's something you think you could monetize, you can probably use it for God's kingdom. Your specific skills and abilities aren't accidents - they're tools God wants to use to build up others and expand His kingdom.
When you operate in your gifts, it's contagious because you do it well. People are drawn to authenticity and excellence that comes from doing what you're called to do.
Life Application
This week, take time to identify the gifts and abilities God has given you. Instead of waiting for the "perfect" opportunity or feeling like you need to fit a certain mold, start using what you have to build up others around you.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What skills or abilities do I have that could help others?
- How can I use my unique background and experiences to encourage someone this week?
- What's one small way I can contribute to building up my community?
- Am I holding back from serving because I don't think I "fit the mold"?
Remember, you belong in Christ's community not because you're perfect or have it all figured out, but because Jesus brings people in just as they are. Your role isn't to become someone else - it's to let God use who you already are to build up others and expand His kingdom.