Denying Community

So I was going to blog about my devotional today, entitled "Receiveing yourself in the Fires of Sorrow." But beyond the fact that I have beaten that issue to death (but I will say Oswald Chambers does a much more effiecient and clear explanation than I), there is something I really have been wanting to take note of, and I want a picture to go along with this, so look for one in the future.

This was something I didn't actually take note of until about a week ago. We take back roads to work each day, avoiding insane traffic and incompatent drivers for safety and time. So we are passing through barrios and small commercial centers. But there is a major difference here than compared to back home. People. Late in the afternoon when Danny and I make the commute back home, beyond the sun casting long shadows on the narrow streets we navigate precariously, there are people out and about. As the temperature finally cools off, men and women begin to sit in front of their house, making conversations with passerbys. Children play in the street with one another. And everyone knows everyone. This community is an actual community. I always find it ironic back in the States when  the news comes on and an anchor will say "A local Montgomery Country community was rocked last night with the death of..." I mean, is Damascus, MD really a community? Becuase the way I see it, I know about 1/3 of my neighbors and I think I see children playing outside with each other about once every two weeks. That boy that was murdered, I have never heard of him before. I will have no idea the impact his death will have on his family (this is an example and totally hypothetical, no one to my knowledge has passed away in Damascus, MD) In fact, the only time I really hear of problems in my hometown is through the gossip that runs rampent.

And perhaps that is why the Christian faith is so prevalent in developing countries. Growth is happening outside the developed world. Christianity requires community. It requires relationships, people, support, communication. But if a culture doesn't have a focus on community, Christianity will struggle to survive. Look at Europe. And no, one cannot use the argument that Socialism is a sign of a culture valuing community. In and of itself, socialism reflects an understanding that humans will ultimately fail in taking care of the poor and thus the government should step in, not an understanding that the community is important. Side note, moving on. Wealth does not exist with community. Europe was the first part of the world to ever experience consistent wealth (as in power and wealth for more than a dynasty or empire), and look where Christianity (religion for that matter) is dying first and fastest. And the same can be said for parts of the United States as well.

Huh, ironically enough this turned out to be a depressing post anyways. Well, no not really. Because we have the opportunity to change this shift. We need to learn from Dominicans. Sitting outside your front door from 5 to 7 each night is a great way to practice the Christian faith. Build that community, because it is key to you walk with Christ. I need to as well down here. When in Rome do as the Romans do, and so I need to sit outside my front porch and meet new people.So I suppose I can relate it to my devo:

 Christ was tempted to bail out on God's plan for His life. But he states:

"... and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour." John 12:27

The very reason you are on this planet is to spread Christianity to those to which it is unknown. That is done through relationships and building up confidence in faith in others. Go into those uncomfortable moments and build up community., don't deny God those moments He has planned for your life.