We live in a society that is segmented. We are separated in many ways, by many means, most of which are very basic. The ways in which we are separated are historically unique as well. Here’s what I mean.
At some point in our American history, we decided against collectivist culture in favor of individualist culture. An example of what I mean is, whole families typically don’t live together in the United States, in fact, people count themselves fortunate if their family lives within a reasonable driving distance.
After all, we’re individuals, why should we all stick together?
On the other hand, people who live in collectivist cultures find the idea of not living with, or at the very minimum, very near to their family, unthinkable.
My aim is not to defend or advocate one culture over the other. My aim is this – I want you to consider the implications of individualist culture when it comes to the Bible’s high calling for God’s people to be in fellowship with one another on a very regular basis, i.e., Hebrews 3:13, But encourage one another day after day…
I don’t want to be legalistic about this, but I do believe that the author of Hebrews intention was not for the family of God to only have fellowship for a very brief period before and after worship service on Sunday mornings.
Fellowship is hard in individualist cultures. We come together to worship, but then we get into our individual vehicles and drive to our individual homes where we go inside and find seclusion from the outside world.
I’m not saying that we don’t have fellowship; What I’m saying is that most fellowship in our culture is only accomplished by deliberately intentional means. We plan and then schedule times to come out and see one another. If we don’t plan and schedule these fellowship events, we typically just don’t see one another.
The cultures of the New Testament were all collectivist cultures. They didn’t have to make a big effort to have daily fellowship. I’ve experienced cultures that were similar. For instance, in the villages that I have worked with in Honduras, everyone is extremely close-knit. Families live together in the same home or in very close proximity. People in those villages see each other daily because it’s almost impossible not to.
Here’s my point and my intention in talking about all of this – we have to fight for fellowship. We have to make it a greater priority. As the church, we must be a sub-culture within our culture. Next week, I’ll give you part two of this article with some Biblical reasons why fellowship is vital to the life of church.
Until then, go out of your way this week to have some fellowship with your Christian family.
Much love,
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
