It’s been foggy the last few mornings. Light fog is beautiful, it softens the harsh edges of the world, it catches the sunlight in a shimmery haze. Thick fog is downright terrifying. It hides what we need to see. It lies to us about the dangers in our path. It blinds us to reality. It settles into the valley and blocks out the sun. Beyond the white haze we know the sun is there, but we can’t see it anymore. It’s a different kind of darkness, one where we can fool ourselves into thinking we can see. That’s the most dangerous kind of blindness.
Really the fog forces us to slow down, take our time. We may only be able to see a step or two ahead. Rushing around in the fog is a recipe for disaster.
The fog I’m talking about here is the “unknown”, the “what-ifs” and the things that keep us up worrying at night.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
I see the “mountain top” above the fog, but I also see that valley, full of foaming white froth, and I know I have to go through it to get up there. Weather it’s the maturing of my faith, the next goal in my fitness journey, the years away graduation of my kids, or just the next project at work.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
In the case of fog the phrase “safety in numbers” has a fierce ring of truth. We can follow the successful steps of those that have gone before us while walking with our peer group and leading the next generation.
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
This is what community is all about, especially what I’ve come to know as “Gospel Community.” Over the years I’ve been a part of many churches, but never one so rooted in the Gospel as where I am now.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…” 1 Peter 4:10
What this looks like practically is a group of Christian believers intentionally knitting their lives together. More than just a couple hours on a Sunday, we make it our aim to be friends and encourage each other throughout the week.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16
We need to get vulnerable, ask for help and prayer. Say, “I’m in the fog!” And that Gospel community says “Jesus is in the fog with you, and so are we.” We help each other see Jesus through the fog. We help each other hear Jesus through the fog. We help each other follow Jesus in the fog.
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:13
Are you in the fog? Are you in a Gospel Community? We gotta stop stumbling around and hiding our skinned knees. Ask for help. Make a friend. Help someone else. You need community, and your community needs you.
“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart…” 1 Peter 1:22
Feel free to comment below. I would love to hear how Gospel Community has made a difference in your life.
Carrie Erdos
March 6, 2016 at 6:11 amBeautiful truth, my friend! Our family has been encouraged and challenged by our gospel community! Thank you for being a part of that and for your words being used to His glory.