Community or Individualism in Today's Culture

Our pastor had this quote by Tullian Tchividjian as part of his sermon notes from Romans 12: 1-3 on Sunday.  

Very thoughtful comments, about individualism, which our culture promotes so highly:

Individualism is a fundamentally worldly way of understanding what it means to be human. Stamped into the fabric of our modern society is the idea that the individual is the primary center of reality, the ultimate standard of value. We live in a culture where there are no longer any obligations to others. The locus of all authority is squarely fixed on the individual self. This approach devalues the role of "the many" in favor of "the one." Togetherness and community are radically diminished. It's all about "me," not "we."

In the Bible, however, we discover that while we're called by God as individuals, we're called into his new community, the church. One of my all-time favorite quotes about the church comes from an excellent little book entitled Total Christianity by Frank Colquhoun. He writes, "The fellowship of the church is part of God's good news to men. It imparts to the gospel one of its most thrilling notes - that when Christ saves a man he not only saves him from his sin, he saves him from his solitude."

This means there's no such thing as Christian individualism; it's an oxymoron. The church is meant to be a God-formed community of people who have abandoned the notion that life can and should be lived in isolation. Christians are connected people - -connected to each other by God the Father, through God the Son, in God the Spirit.   (Tullian Tchividjian, grandson of Billy Graham)

Whether you are an introvert (refreshed by being alone) or an extrovert (refreshed by  being with others), the Lord wants us to be connected with other people.  No, not constantly, but periodically throughout your week for the spreading of salt and light.   How are you living this out today? in your family? your neighborhood? your city? your church?

Moms at home, especially those with small children, often become isolated and depressed.  Do I have to say irritable, too?  A crying child, spilled food, toys all over the house and a broken washing machine can seem 10x worse when you're at home alone with someone who can't communicate well just yet.  [A broken washer would make me a little crazy, too.]

Call up a friend and go to the park for some fresh air or have lunch  together (sometimes doing this while your child(ren) are napping is great for uninterrupted adult conversation).  Do things as families with other couples who have small children once a month or more frequently.   Take your little one(s) to library storytime and meet other moms who probably live in your neighborhood.  Trade babysitting so you and your husband can re-connect every week or so.  Invite singles and other couples over for dinner with you.  Join a MOPS or Titus 2 Moms group.  A little effort and planning will sparkle up your day, lift your spirits and get you out of the daily routine just enough to come back home with a fresh perspective.