We can’t believe summer is almost over! While there is still some time for summer plans (and finding creative ways to cool down), CVS is looking forward to September when our community building activities will resume. One of these activities is a weekly Bible study. The theme this year will be “Building Community”. Let’s look at why CVS believes this is an important topic for our students to learn.
When you think of community, you probably envision a group of people who have something in common. For example, a sports team, a neighbourhood, a school, or a church. Did you know Merriam-Webster’s first definition of community is as follows: “a unified body of individuals”? Notice this definition doesn’t say “in common” but rather “unified”. Interestingly, Merriam-Webster isn’t the only one to emphasize unity in a group of people.
The apostle Paul emphasizes unity in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” Again, in Ephesians 4:1-2, Paul writes, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain unity in the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Yet again, Paul echoes his cry for unity among Christians in 1 Peter 3:8, “Finally all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” Unity among Christians is not just a New Testament concept. David recognized the goodness of unity when he wrote, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
Last year, in Bible study, students learned that when something repeats in Scripture, we need to pay attention because it’s important! Looking at just these few verses above (There’s even more! Take time to look them up!), it is easy to see the repetition and, therefore, importance of unity among believers.
If we as members of CVS and of the body of Christ are to build community, we must learn what it means to be united with one another. If we are divided, there is no unity. If there is no unity, there is no community. Humans were not created to live outside community. Genesis 2:18 tells us, “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a helper for him.’” We are to live the Christian life united together – not alone. Romans 12 gives specific examples of how unity among Christians can be accomplished. And trust me. This list is not for the faint of heart.
- Be transformed by the renewal of your mind
- Use the gifts God has given you (ex. Prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, mercy, etc.)
- Be fervent in Spirit
- Contribute to the needs of the saints
- Show hospitality
- Live in harmony with one another
- Think of yourself with sober judgement
- Do your part in the body of Christ
- Hate evil; cling to what is good
- Outdo one another in showing honour
- Be patient in tribulation
- Be constant in prayer
- Bless those who persecute you
- Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep
And the list continues from there! These things are not easy to do, yet Scripture calls us to do them because this is how we live united with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is how we build community.
So, as you enjoy the last few weeks of your summer plans, encourage your children to build community by living out Romans 12. Reflect with them what it means to build community as the body of Christ and support your child’s/children’s learning in our new Bible study.
Interested in attending Christian Virtual School this fall? There’s still plenty of time to pre-register! If you would like more information before signing up, send us an email or register for one of our group tours!
