Individualism is always at battle with community. A radical commitment to one another in the church community is in contrast to the dominant culture. Individualism can also chew away at a congregation’s dependence on the Holy Spirit and its interdependence with others in the congregation as well as with the larger church body in other congregations. Living as a foretaste for others is risky, but if it’s to be authentic we need to recognize that as a “body” we are stronger and healthier that a collection of “individuals.”
Scripture:
• Spend some time slowly reading and meditating on I Corinthians 12:14-27.
Reflection
• How have you seen individualism in your own life and the churches’ life be destructive?
Practice:
• Spend some time in prayer and reflection and ask God to “Search your heart.” Ask God to reveal how you have focused on yourself and not on the needs of His body. How can you begin to contribute to the health of the body and what do you need to give up for the sake of the body and the loss to your individualism? – You may not hear anything at first, but continue to ask God daily:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24-25
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