Lessons on Community from a Mountain Goat
Kaylee and I recently took a trip with some friends to Montana. While we were there, we spent a lot of time at Glacier National Park. We all liked to hike so we spent most days hiking the park. I will never forget one of our hikes because we were followed by a mountain Goat. It was a great experience being so close to a wild animal. It was also a little intimidating because I didn’t want to mess with the horns on top of his head. Since that day I have been reflecting on lessons from that trip.
We must be in Community
There are signs all over Glacier that state it is best to hike in groups because there are no reported bear attacks on groups of four or more. There is safety in community. The same holds true for us as believers. We should be in community with other Christians so that we have help when we face dangers in our Christian walk. Hebrews 3:12-13 tells us to exhort one another daily so that we don’t fall into sin. Proverbs talks about sin being a snare to us (Proverbs 5:22-23). We can easily be led astray by sin if we are left alone. Sin can take control in isolation. Fellow Christians can help keep sin from becoming a habit in our lives. They can call out our sin and walk alongside us as we fight for godliness. Let us not be arrogant and think we can do this on our own. We need other believers. We need to be in community.
Community Warns us of Dangers on the Path
A couple of hikers were coming down the mountain as we were hiking up the mountain. They warned us about a territorial mountain goat that followed them down the trail. We continued along the path, but we were more alert to our surroundings. Other believers can warn us of dangers we may encounter. Titus 2:1-6 says that older men should teach younger men how to live and older women should encourage younger women how to live. Why? Mature believers in the faith can help younger believers in the faith because they have walked the path already.
Farmers Insurance has a commercial with the tagline, “we know a thing or two because we have seen a thing or two.” The same is true about older believers in the church. There is no better way to learn than from someone who has learned self-control or who has learned to be content. Use them as a resource. Find a small group with a mix of ages and genders and learn from those who have walked the path.
Welcome People into the Community
We started our hike with four people and ended it with seven people. A girl named Holly joined us right at the beginning of the hike. She didn’t want to hike alone and asked to join us. We met two other guys as we were trying to get away from a mountain goat. Welcome new people into the community. Welcome those who are different from you! The church misses out when people are shunned because they are different or don’t belong. Each person brings a unique spiritual gift to the mix when they enter into the church (1 Cor. 12, Romans 12).
As we were hiking away from the goat we met two guys who added a new element to our group. We went from one guy and four girls to three guys and four girls. I knew I would have to step in and fight a goat if I was the only guy. Once Spencer and Andrew joined the group that changed. They were two guys who wanted adventure. I think they were almost hoping the goat would attack so they had a better story to tell. I felt much better hiking back up the mountain knowing they would fight the goat and I didn’t have to. I know my limitations! The church is a beautiful body were people have different functions and giftings.
Community Encourages Us to Keep Going
When we met Spencer and Andrew, they encouraged us to keep going. Holly was ready to leave our group. They kept encouraging us by say things like “you can make it” and “we can do this together”. Guess what? We made it to the top. The territorial goat followed us the whole way, but we were safe and secure in the group. We had others to encourage during the journey.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 says, “and we urge you brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” This comes at the end of the letter in Paul’s final instructions to them. Some people won’t walk the path because they are lazy. They need to be admonished and told to make changes. Others are discouraged, fainthearted, and afraid of what they may come in contact with on the path. Tell them “you can do it” and “keep going.” Others are weak and need help. They may not have the strength to keep going. You may need to lift them up so they can keep walking. With each type of person, you should be patient. What a beautiful picture of community in the church.
This all happened as we are walking along a path in Glacier National Park. How much more should this happen in the church! We have a special bond to our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you don’t have community then seek me out! I will help you find it. You are welcome in my community. Just don’t try to do this Christian walk on your own.