“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a fire?” C.S. Lewis said it right! And, at last over the past couple months I have experienced the truth in this statement.
Fellowship. That is the word that describes this semester, but what is it? Some would say it’s a happy gathering, involving laughter and maybe copious amounts of food. And that’s all good, but isn't there more? Lately I have learned there is. The word for fellowship in Greek is koinonia which means sharing intimacy. I have been blessed over this past semester more than any of these friends would know. The way that they live intentionally, desiring to love each other through their love of Jesus is so cool to see. Seeing the Lord work through friendships and simple weekly dinners to bring us closer together and closer to him is amazing to watch.
However, letting people get close isn't easy. They see your mistakes and your bad days and your sins and your tears and your heartaches in a very up-close-and-personal kind of way. But it’s precisely this kind of intimacy that sharpens. That heals. That comforts. That teaches. That binds.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Fellowship is about closeness. But how do we get this closeness? There are two ways to achieve it: through drawing near to God and being real in our community. We walk in and toward the Light together. Walking in the Light implies a sense of openness… of an intentional effort to hide nothing: no flaw, no quirk, no abnormality, no burden, no weakness, no sin. When we’re engaging in koinonia with others, we keep nothing from them.
What keeps us from this kind of openness? Everyone has their own reasons or excuses. I would normally say it’s my personality, “this is just the way God made me” or a desire to be cautious with my heart, keeping it from rejection that has come from engaging in closeness with others. After all, if I don’t get close to anyone, I can’t get hurt, right? We are so prideful, whether we think it or not, and that is why it is so hard to let people in. More often than not, our social insecurities are rooted in pride. This display of pride shows I’m worrying what others think about me, rather than finding my identity in God’s acceptance of me. No one ever wants to be the one who doesn't have it together. I am kind of introverted and letting people in is hard for me, but I have been amazed by the way God has convicted me of that and brought people into my life that genuinely desire to know me.
Even though I’m somewhat of an introvert I love being connected. Friendship is important to me. I consider my closest friends my family. Unfortunately, in my life I have felt like I was on the outside of circles. In high school I went to a different school than my best friends. In college, some of my friends are involved in Greek life and other organizations and some go to different churches. But this semester with “Fam Dinners” I began to feel like I was on the inside; inside of a beautiful circle of friends.
They have taught me that once we get over our need to fit in and be included, we realize that each individual friendship is fulfilling. These friends get to know the deepest parts of us, and share both in our joy and our suffering. They have earned the right to hear our story and speak truth into our lives. These are the friends who celebrate with us when blessing comes, and walk shoulder to shoulder and help carry our burdens. These friends are encouragers, kindred spirits; they are the people with whom I look forward to doing life. This is fellowship. This is community.
Practically speaking, about a few months ago I was introduced to some of the greatest people I have ever met. {that sounds extreme but it is true} Almost every Thursday night is “Fam Dinner” where we all pile into one of our friend’s houses and fellowship. Thursday nights are sweet times of conversation, laughter, good food, and lots of playing Signs. They are some of the most accepting people I know, it’s crazy to think back on the first time I got talked into going to a random girl’s house for a worship night. Since that day, I am constantly amazed by the intentionality of these people, how they actively pursue real relationships. We are united not only by Auburn, but by our desire to build genuine community through studying, speaking and sharing the Gospel.
We do life together, love Jesus together, but we also sit by a fire or go climb the fire-tower or have a dinner or play Signs. The awesome thing is that I see Jesus through it all. They give a picture to “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Unity, Love, Togetherness. The best thing this side of heaven. A bond that is formed in Christ is not easily broken.
Y'all are one heck of a home team!
