I have recently completed the book, “Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne.  Within the book a way of life is described that reintroduces the world to the heart of Jesus.  This reminiscent Jesus that Shane is in love with is not unfamiliar and uncomfortable, but He is unseen and unsettling in many “Christian” circles today. He displays a Love for his fellow man; which is displayed by compassion, servitude, and a broken heart for the hurting.  This Jesus that Shane is attempting to emulate has reverberated in me and has caused me to reflect on how I try to reflect Jesus in my life.  Am I willing to truly to give all of me up to make myself so vulnerable to the recklessness of Christ’s love for me and his creation?  If we were able to love our fellow man as Jesus loved us, what a difference we could make.  I know that I have been asked to carry my cross and not Shane’s, but I think this may be a cross we are all to bear. 

If you were to ask me what I think the greatest gift we offer one another as the Body of Christ it, I would say Community.  This has driven me to perfect community and increasing the sphere of influence, which has many times left me questioning the purpose.  I am concerned if the development of community has become a task that we check off our leadership assessment then is it real, I think not.  Community will only become real and vital to people’s lives when it mirrors the community that Christ lived.  Community should come from genuine love of the people in my life, those I pass on the street, my co-workers, the homeless man on the corner begging for change and even those that push every hot button I have.  What would small groups, church congregations, families, and our place of work if we started see the people in our communities as Christ sees them?  Can you imagine the change in people’s lives; loneliness, fear, and hunger to name a few could become eradicated.  I believe that people are looking for more and it isn’t more programs, more dazzle, more meeting times, but more from us in their community.  People inherently want to know do they matter and when we learn to love one another in true Christ centered community; they will know they are significant.