FCA ResourcesDevotional
The Importance of Community
Ready
“They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:45-47
Set
Does your coach emphasize team bonding? If so, they know the importance of building community and friendships within their team. A team that doesn’t like each other will not play well together. A team that can see each other as friends and brothers and sisters is more inclined to care for the needs of one another and desire the same goals.
Have you ever played on a team where no one got along? I bet it wasn’t an enjoyable experience. Have you ever played on a team where, for the most part, everyone got along and spent time getting to know each other? Think for a minute about the significant differences between the two teams.
Community is so essential that even the early Christian church, through their persecution, confusion and fear, sought each other out for friendship. Acts tell us a lot about the first Christians, how the disciples and Jesus’ followers acted days and years after He went to be with God in heaven. One of the critical characteristics of this early church was that they constantly met, ate, prayed and praised God together. They knew they couldn’t survive independently, needed each other during the hard days, and wanted to celebrate and share the good days.
Do you have this type of community in your life? If it’s not on your sports team, why do you think that is? Can you be the one to help unify your team and bring fellowship? Maybe you invite your team over to your house for a meal. You could start an FCA Huddle on your team or talk with your coach about more team bonding. Decide today that the relationships around you need investment.
Go
- Do you believe that we need an in-person community?
- What stops you from diving deeper into your relationships?
- What is one goal you could set for yourself and your friends?
Overtime
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us a desire for friendships. You know our hearts long to feel part of a community. Help us, Lord, not to let fear or anxiety stop us from digging deep into the community You have provided us. Help us to invest in those around us today. Amen.”
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