For those that dare to make the decision to change their lifestyle for the sake of close-knit-biblical-organic-Kingdom-church-body-life-community, there will undoubtedly come along with it fears and challenges. Let’s be realistic here. We’re talking about radically shifting your mindset 180 degrees and living with different priorities than most of those around you. This is not going to be easy.
We don’t need each other
Plus, it’s not like most of us need each other to survive physically (which would make it MUCH easier to take the plunge). And even if we did, the U.S. government currently makes it harder to truly need each other because they force people to share their wealth. Yes, we should share God’s resources with each other – for those that gather much should not have too much, and those that gather little should not have too little (2 Cor. 8:13-15).
We’re “saved” from the opportunity to need each other
But, when a “middle man” forces the sharing of resources, it effectively cuts out the relational opportunity presented by our differing circumstances and encourages everyone to continue in their individualistic, isolated lifestyles; for the government re-distributes the wealth in a mechanical, non-relational way – “saving us” from the privilege of doing it ourselves (sarcasm intended!).
Giving up ownership
Practically speaking, this is why Jesus was so extremely doubtful that rich men could enter the Kingdom. Because in a kingdom, everything is the King’s and everyone shares the King’s resources with each other. In order to enter, you have to abandon the concept that you own anything and have the utter willingness for the King to use the resources under your watch to do the work of the Kingdom.
So yes, we’re fighting an uphill battle for two major reasons. We have too much, causing us not to need each other; and we believe we own resources, causing us to be less likely to transfer them in productive Kingdom ways.
Yes, it will be much more comfortable (but not healthy!) to continue living how you’re living in the short term. But if you look deep inside, you will find that this alternative is just not acceptable with your soul.
Michael Fleming
Mike Fleming is the creator of Finding Healthy Church. Over 20 years ago, he was sparked by the frustration of failing to experience what the biblical story claimed a healthy church was like. He caught a vision and passion for seeing local churches be what they were designed by God to be. He shares what he's learning along the way so the health of local churches around the world are improved. He’s currently working on an eye-opening book that will help better understand what it means for a church to be healthy.