Being around the kingdom, the church and of course the world a long time, gives me a perspective that is different than one just “popping out of the egg”.

Over the years we have spent a lot of time helping people to learn their identity in the Lord. Identifying with Christ. We have devoted considerable resource and time helping people to see their calling and to identify their calling, their gifts and their personalities and gift mixes. Clearly those are all valuable and worthy endeavors. They are needed to restore health and vitality to the body at large.

Yet over the years I have noticed a burgeoning demand amongst folks to be seen, to be “public”. And what has happened with this is so many have wandered off to “be their own person”. Sometimes they have left in a huff, because their gift or calling was not made public before the congregation. Other times anger at God arose, because “why didn’t you do something?” Anointing overcame character and sound biblical practice.

The bottom line… Independence that resulting in a pulling away from the body, from community began to happen. Like a young man or young woman turning of age, people wanted to be on their own, striking out with the “wind in their sails and a map in their hands”. But, pulling apart from the body was fraught with danger. Many did not see it until it was too late.

I see that the education process and many of its people are at the bottom of some of this. Right after the devil who was booted out of heaven for wanting to be recognized. Other organizations and businesses have jumped right in there with the idea that “people need to be independent”. I understand what they are saying and why they are saying it. There is an accountability that comes with being “you”. But the idea of pulling people out of community and family…well, that is just not God. God has hardwired His people for relationship, for community, for family. The Lord’s prayer does not begin with “My Father” but in fact pronounces community right at the get go… OUR FATHER…

I do believe people need to stand up on their own two feet. To move through life on their own. But what has happened in there is that somehow the lie of we need no one else has crept in. In fact it has oft maneuvered throughout the church. Creating rifts and splits, divisions and divides. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17

Yesterday while sharing with friends after our time of church fellowship, I was saying one of the things I struggle with is the ability to be together when we have all these amazing gifts. But so much of the church has allowed itself to be isolated, “set apart”, creating and providing but apart from the community. (It is like the Christian couple who have “his money and her money”. What happened to our money? ) If truly we are unique in our giftings and our God makeup then being together provides an opportunity and creates a synergy from our gathering. I suggested that when I speak of “simpler times” one of the things I envision is people coming together to share their talents, their gifts, their wisdom. Sewing parties, barn raisings and community farms all fall under that idea, that guise. I get we are individual, but I am talking about what the future of community begins to look like. One of my friends said he could see whole cities made up of believers releasing their collective strength through their individual undertakings working in harmony. (So did Alexander Dowie.)

Yesterday we had a gathering that was different. With chairs in a circle we approached our fellowship time from a 1 Corinthians 14:26 perspective to encourage one another. To hear from others. A few folks had sat on the back row, but after a period of time they moved to the front. Immediately I had a flash where I saw those who had avoided fellowship, extinguished relationships and abhorred community, feeling the “cold from the outside” and moving in closer. Folks, I truly believe that is happening. It is no longer “this little light of mine” but “this dunamis infused powerhouse of a beacon” that draws like “moths to a candle”. (Oh yeah, I get it doesn’t rhyme but WOW!)

The days of living apart are over. The fabric of community is being restored and cities are being set in place for the overshadowing of the Lord. The return to simpler times may well be at hand. I get there will still be superstars but they will be men and women who play well with others. Who understand the harmony of the Gospel.

Over the last few weeks, I was asked if I thought “how can I be an adult if I follow my family”. Interesting. Somehow we have confused being an “adult” with independence and we have stretched the word “independence” into “I do not need anyone”. That may in fact be one of the largest deceptions sown. That I need me and no one else.

I offer this up for you to contemplate. Interested in your thoughts.