Building Community

Paul instructs Timothy to rely on the gifts he has been given to perform his mission.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God's word and by prayer. If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives' tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. These are the things you must insist on and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. - 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Paul did not  have an easy job.  He was trying to manage several churches from a distance in a time when remote work was all but impossible.

He needed devoted leaders in each location to make it work, and that meant recruiting the right talent, and supporting them with encouragement and instruction.

Timothy was young, but he had the ability to speak and be heard, a gift, something much needed by one who was to build a community.

We hear a lot of talk these days about community building, as if it is something new or unique to our time and place.  But it is at the heart of every successful endeavor.  At some point, we need help to accomplish our goals, and that help comes from those around us.

If we are gifted in communication and leadership, building a community seems to come naturally.

But it is always hard work.

The key, though, is who the work is designed to help.

If we are working hard for ourselves, people will not flock to us to help, to join, to take n the challenge.  But if we work hard for the community we hope to serve, they will be inspired to join in.

This is what Paul is telling Timothy and us.  We can build a community of faith by helping people come to their faith honestly, through action and purpose meaningful to them.

We don't build community by selling the idea to people.  We build it with them for their benefit.

More to come...