Connecting to Your Community
A little farm boy accidentally overturned his wagon load of wheat on the road one day. The farmer who lived nearby came to investigate.
“Hey, Willis,” he called out, “forget your troubles for a while and come have dinner with us. Then I’ll help you turn the wagon back up.”
“That’s very nice of you,” Willis answered, “but I don’t think my Dad would like me to do that.”
“Aw, come on, son! Your father won’t mind,” the farmer insisted.
“Well, okay, but Dad won’t like it,” the boy finally agreed.
After a big dinner, Willis thanked the host. “I feel a lot better now, but I know Dad’s going to be real upset.”
“Don’t be silly!” said the neighbor. “By the way, where is your dad?”
“He’s under the wagon,” replied Willis.
Willis and the Good Samaritan farmer lived in a different era than we do today. While we all want to be good neighbors, the meaning of “neighborliness” has changed as the culture has changed from community to cocooning, from country to city, from slow food to fast food, from the dining room to the game room. In our culture State Farm Insurance is known: Like a good neighbor state farm is there, when it’s we the neighbors that should be the ones that are there!
Being authentically and meaningfully involved with each other takes time and commitment. It means growing in love and compassion for each other and our community. For some, it means developing new understanding that will redefine ministry. This type of commitment takes the compassion that Christ has shown the world.
Being successful in enriching our community starts with connecting to the right people. It continues by connecting with the right message, and we will see great results when we connect for the right reasons.
In Hebrews 10:24-25 it says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
••• Editor’s note: David Austin is the pastor of The Ridge Community Church in Pea Ridge. He can be contacted at daustin@theridgecc.us.