The Importance of Community

Satan watcheth for those vessels that sail without a convoy. —George Swinnock

The Genesis record makes the case from the very beginning, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). It is true, our triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—created us to be in relationship with others, not to be islands unto ourselves. As a solo traveler is easy pickings for the thief along the road, the one who moves in the company of others is less vulnerable. Ecclesiastes 4:10 reminds us that when two walk together, “if one falls, his brother will life him up, but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to life him up.” Then there’s this: Proverbs 13:20 reads, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm,” and Proverbs 27:17 reads, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” These verses warn us that the quality of the community we choose is important. Show me your community and I’ll show you your future! We’re not to walk alone, but we are to choose our friends and relationships wisely. To that end, let us examine our lives and those around us and ask, Are those I surround myself with helping me grow in God’s grace and truth? —DH