Evaluating 40 Days of Community

[*NOTE: Quotes from the 40 Days of Community Workbook are blockquoted.]

"We're Chosen to Fellowship Together...By Committing to Each Other."

"Let us agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other" (Rom 14:19a, MSG).

Commitment to one another is an important scriptural truth. We are first committed to Christ who gave Himself freely for us that we might be made heirs with Him. Secondly, we are to serve one another with brotherly love, and in humility regard others as more important than ourselves. If this is a Biblical principle, why then does Rick Warren right off the bat quote The Message which distorts the truth of the scripture by changing the original meaning and placing an over-emphasis on unity? Romans 14:19 (NASB) says "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another." This doesn't say to use all our energy to get along, but in context, we are told to set aside arguments over what to eat and drink and pay attention to the truths of the gospel (which makes for peace) and the building up of one another. Romans 12:18 (NET) says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people." This includes non-believers. We give no one a reason to be offended at us except for the truth we speak and our persistence in standing for it in love.

It means we commit to being there for each other, "none of this going off and doing your own thing" (Col 3:15b, MSG).

Here again, Rick has found part of a paraphrased sentence in The Message in an attempt to put God's stamp of approval on his own ideas. Col 3:15 (NET): "Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful." The idea of not "going off and doing your own thing" is not even remotely referred to in this passage. Rather, it is affirming that the peace of Christ, which comes from the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins given by belief in the gospel, should be what controls our hearts. Remember how you have been forgiven and forgive others in the same way. Don't be selfish. Don't take revenge. We are to take up our cross, crucify our selfish nature and fleshly lusts, and give up our own interests, regarding others as more important than ourselves.

It's by God's design that we define our lives by our commitments: marriage, children, work, church.

If we define our lives by our commitments, why doesn't Rick mention Christ first? Perhaps Rick doesn't understand, but loving our spouse, children, doing well at work and then going to church twice a week (or having coffee with a Christian brother) is not how we show our love for Jesus. The demonstration of that love is this: loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; having no other idols in His presence; not taking God's name in vain (don't make Him common, but regard Him as Holy and special); and remember the sabbath (we are to rest from working and dedicate at least one day to God). Our love for God is demonstrated by submitting to the Word daily, taking all things to Him in prayer, and living our lives with His priorities and plans in focus. If we place God first and have our eyes firmly fixed upon Him (when you think of Him, don't immediately think "church"), all other things will fall into place. But remember, that doesn't mean that you will be wealthy, healthy and have it all together in the stuff of this life. In fact, we are given the promise that "all those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12, NASB).

It means moving beyond superficial friendships and becoming "a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov 18:24, NIV).

No doubt we cannot have close friendships with many people. But is this what this passage is saying? That I "don't need a lot of friends" (as Rick states later), and that I "do need a few good ones"? If that is so, why doesn't the passage say "a few" instead of "a" as in one? Prov 18:24 (NASB): "A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Who is our friend who sticks closer than a brother? ...even closer than our Christian brothers and sisters? Is it not Jesus Christ Himself? And Rick left out the part that declares that a man of too many friends comes to ruin. Could this be in reference to Luke 6:26 (NASB): "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to tread the false prophets in the same way"?

Who--or what-- are you committed to? And who knows it? Have you ever gone to anyone, besides your spouse, and said, "I want you to know that I will always be there for you?"

Are we as mere people to make such promises to others? James 5:12 (NASB) says: "But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment." Do you think that you can in good conscience say that you will always be there for someone?

Point to Ponder: Community is built through commitment.

And that would be true of any community group, including those in the world. However, Christian fellowship is a gift of God to those who commit themselves wholly to Christ and out of obedience serve one another in humility.