"The way to the Kingdom is through exploration."

Jesus did not come to sell people on becoming like Him, yet that is what we try to do. We speak our piece and wait for the hearer to fall on his knees when we're done. When that doesn't happen, sometimes we keep after them, but sometimes we give up and all the time we get discouraged.

We want to sugar coat the gospel so it's easier to swallow. We keep out the tough parts to make it more appealing. It becomes a numbers game, a criticism game. We lose sight of the truth and, as a result, the person we're talking to never sees the truth.

A true relationship with God can't be discovered through words. Whether our words or even just the words in the Bible. Jesus said we find Him if we seek Him. It is not our job to put people face to face with God. Our job is to show others the fruits of our relationship, so that they will want to find this type of relationship, too.

The concept of community is so important, not just in the church, but in all of life. When we spend time with each other- talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company- our bodies produce dopamine. This is the same thing that is released when people take drugs like meth. Constantly, our society tries to find new ways to feel good. but this comes naturally, if only we take time for each other.

When I was younger, whenever I took a trip with school or the church ,we had to find ways to keep ourselves entertained while driving or waiting. usually this was done by playing a game or having conversations about things. Today, people keep themselves entertained by playing on their smartphone or portable gaming system. We still spend as much time with others as we used to in a group setting but we miss out on the experience.

Why do people avoid community:
1. Control - we can control ourselves but must be open if we let others in.
2. Fear - people are terrified of what will happen if we're known.
3. Denial - we give into thinking isolation is the best remedy for sin.

Although community is essential, our human nature makes it difficult. We worry about rejection, we judge the people we meet, we question our ability to connect. For those of us looking for community, we must be willing to be uncomfortable for a little while. Anything that improves our lives requires a little sacrifice. Exercising, doing well in school or work, creating something all take work. Sometimes a lot of work. But the end result is worth the sacrifice, if we put in our best. The same comes from getting to know each other. We must be intentional in developing strong relationships and know which aspects are worth working a little harder on.

For people who are already part of a community, there is the responsibility to open up that group to others. We naturally fear being vulnerable. When that act of vulnerability is met with openness and acceptance the receiver is more apt to open up more and more, until they are part of the community as well. It is more difficult for some than others to be vulnerable. We should do all that we can to allow that to happen for everyone.

I have often been vulnerable, and that vulnerability was met with pain. But is is only through vulnerability that I can become truly free. I must learn to trust that Jesus will hold me through my times of brokenness, and lead me to the ones who can make the void felt by isolation be filled with beneficial community.