Salt and Light: We Grow in Community
By Brent Davis, Campus Ministry Coordinator
Building community is not easy, but it is God’s will. Is there a command to build community? Of course, we do not see the exact words: “Thou shalt build community!” But, we do see the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12: 12, Paul tells the Corinthians they are one body—the body of Christ. Commenting on this passage, Jack MacGorman writes: “There are no one-man churches!”1 Although our campus ministry is not a church, it is a part of the body of Christ.
In verse 7 of this chapter, St. Paul instructs his readers that their gifts should be used for the benefit of all. This is a different mindset from what is encountered in some churches and ministries where the professionals are expected to provide services for the congregants. All members of the body of Christ have something to offer to as well as receive from others. All members build a Christ-centered community where healing, growth and service occur to the glory of God.
Creation reflects the character of the Creator. God is love (1 John 4: 8), and God is holy (Leviticus 19: 2). Holiness (or right order) is the goal; love is the motivation and disposition. Love without holiness can lead to unhealthy relationships; holiness without love can lead to alienation and discouragement.2 Christ demonstrated these qualities as he led his disciples and, in love, died on the cross to make us holy.
Loving acceptance with accountability and support help us to achieve the goals of loving others and being holy when we accept Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and join with his body to use our spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12) to build community—providing a safe place for healing, growth, and service. Find a church that is serious about building community and/or come join us on campus for Salt and Light, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
[1] MacGorman, J. (1974). The gifts of the Spirit. Broadman Press. p. 54
[2] Cloud, H. (2018). Changes that heal. Zondervan.
