THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

            Recently the world watched in fascination and disbelief as the Arab Spring unfolded. Long-standing regimes were toppled as people took to the streets and demanded change. At first, the West applauded the courage of those people to stand up to oppression. Now, we are watching in disbelief as the Arab Spring has exploded into violence, chaos and hatred. As one commentator put it, the Arab Spring unleashed the tiger and no one can control it.

            What we are witnessing is the power of community. When people band together, they can accomplish things that seem impossible. As we are witnessing, the power of community can be used for good and bad. What began as a desperate bid for freedom has turned into a massive power struggle for control.

            There is another example of the power of community that is far more positive. It is found in Acts 2:42-47. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

            This seemingly insignificant little community of people changed their world. They were knit together not for political or economic reasons, but by the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Instead of trying to seize control, they practiced compassion. Instead of demonstrating in the streets, they worshipped together in the Temple. Instead of vying for power, they shared all that they had with one another. They were a truly radical community that took everyone by surprise.

            Who were these people that caused such a stir in their world? Paul gives us a snapshot of this radical community of faith. Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV) This ragtag group of followers of Jesus made such an impact on their world that the people of Thessalonica accused them of turning the world upside down.

            God is still using this community of faith to turn the world upside down. He isn’t doing it with rallies in the streets. He is doing it through communities of faith coming together to demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ in tangible ways. He is doing it through a small band of believers in Nigeria who are turning the tide on the AIDS epidemic. He is doing it through Christian relief organizations that bring people together to pack meals that will feed starving children in Haiti and around the world. He is doing it through Christian ministries on university campuses that come along side of young adults at a critical time in their lives and help them find their way.

            God has called us to be His world changing community. As we strengthen our connection with God and with one another, we can be empowered to do amazing things. Working together, as a community of faith, we can accomplish far more than any one of us could do alone. We may never be the lead story on the evening news, but we can change our world, if we work together.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NIV)