Committed Community
Scott Blair of Clinton, MO, USA
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. -1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 26-27
When I was 15, I joined Community of Christ. Since then, I’ve been going to family camp (reunion), and I love it. Even though I go only once a year, this camp helps shape me into someone who is passionate about discipleship. The people at these camps have encouraged me, taught me, guided me, loved me, held me accountable. Now they work beside me in ministry. They have committed to me, and I am committed to them.
One year the camp experience was even more significant. My wife and I recently had our first child, and we took her to camp with us! She was only six weeks old, but we could not imagine not going to camp or not bringing her with us. It was a little more work than usual on our part, but well worth it. Everyone fell in love with our little girl. We could see the people around us commit to our child.
We know there will be a time when our little girl won’t be so little. She’ll lean on others for advice and guidance. I know the same community that has helped shape me since I was 15 can greatly affect her life. No longer is camp just about hanging out with friends, going to campfires, and doing the practices that fill my spiritual needs. It’s now about keeping a little girl involved in a community of people that can help her become a self-sufficient woman with a sense of value and self-worth.
I now understand the importance of my church family on a new level. I hope the members understand how much my family needs them, as I now understand how much they need me. We commit to Christ and his faithful community. It’s one of the most sacred actions we can take as individual disciples and as a church. May you have a deeper understanding of your role in your sacred community and commit to your divine call.
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Engaging in the practice of holy attention allows us to suspend our inner conversations and agendas and give reverent and receptive focus to a specific person or portion of God’s creation. Regarding another as an unrepeatable miracle whose life journey is unique and sacred brings awareness to and affirmation of God’s presence in all creation. We do this in the spirit of Christ who saw into the deep hearts of people and recognized their true identities as God’s beloved. Spend time this day in prayerful attention to God’s creation, to the people in your life, and to your daily surroundings.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
