Our Shared Life

Back in the 1960s, hippie communes were huge, and there was a reason for it. Youth were tired of the "plastic" lives their parents and other adults were living, and they were longing for reality. Communes offered a chance for a shared life, real concern, a sharing of goods, and minmum of responsibility. What's not to love?

Of course, it didn't last--and for good reason. But the intent was surely good. A shared life, concern for others, love--all good things. Really though, these were not found in the place where they should have been--the church.

Jesus calls his people to a shared life, the life that begins with fellowship with him (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 1:4) that should extend to others who are also in fellowship with him because they share a common salvation (Jude 3) and a common faith (Titus 1:4). And yet, why do we rarely talk about the One who we claim to have fellowship with? Relationships in many churches are shallow and superficial, where we know about each other but no one knows anyone.

Fellowship is not a religious word. It's related to a word that is translated "common." In the New Testament, it has reference to such things as being a partner (Luke 5:7, 10) or sharing material goods.

Paul addresses four problems with the Corinthian church, problems that could be resolved if they had a grasp on what fellowship was--in both the vertical (toward God) and horizontal (toward others) dimensions.

Party spirit (chapters 1-4)? Learn to agree with each other. Leaders, like all

Christians, are only servants (3:5-8).

The Lord's Supper (chapters 10-11)? Learn to wait for each other. Communion lis

communion only when you are in proper relationships with others.

Spiritual gifts (chapters 12-14)? Learn to serve each other. Who gifted you, and

for what purpose? Everyone's service is needed.

Affection (16:20)? Learn to greet one another. Love everyone equally. Take the time before and after the gathering to connect with your family.

Scripture reminds us that we are one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-28). What God has joined together, let man not separate! These four things spoken of above can help foster fellowship, but only if intentionally practiced--just being together in a building won't do it. But do we really desire to know each other fully?