Read Romans 12

One of the effects of sin is that it causes us to run and hide from the presence of God. Adam and Eve did this in the Garden of Eden after they sinned against God. But it’s not just Adam and Eve—to this day, sin still has us running and isolating from God and from His people. It’s not only a destructive tendency whenever we isolate ourselves or prioritize other things/people over the church, but we’re also giving a foothold to sin in our lives by separating ourselves from community. After all, God’s community is one of our greatest weapons and protections in the Christian life.

Many of us fail to recognize that a Christian’s growth, maturity, and sanctification is actually meant to be a community project. We often think reading our bibles and personal prayer are at the top of the list when it comes to how a Christian grows closer to God. But the New Testament has much more to say about growth happening in the context of community than in private disciplines or piety. This is because we were never meant to walk with Christ alone. We need the church to affirm our faith, to challenge our faith, and perhaps most importantly, to provide strength when our faith falters or fails.

Can you say honestly that you are deeply invested in a community that helps to grow your faith and affection for Jesus? Finding yourself in a community like that doesn’t happen overnight nor does it happen easily—but as you stay committed to God’s people over time and through various seasons—you’ll come to experience the power and presence of God in your life in a way that’s impossible on your own.