There are popular buzzwords that tell us what people value. A few examples are ‘environmental sustainability,’ ‘transparency,’ ‘wellness,’ or ‘balance.’

Two more biggies are ‘community’ and ‘friendship.’ It’s easy to SAY we want these things, but not fully realize what we’re asking for.

The truth is that real community and friendship are often messy. It means mean letting our guard down sometimes, being honest, discovering that other people have opinions or make choices we disagree with, and that everyone benefits when we support each other through the scary ups and downs of life.

Speaking to the Corinthian church, Paul wrote: “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:26, ESV).

Sounds amazing and rewarding!… and also challenging…

Author Tim Keller recently said: “Everyone says they want community and friendship, but when that means accountability or commitment people run the other way.”

Why am I telling you this?

Because if you want community and friendship, you need to know that it involves accountability and commitment.

Community means honesty, diversity of opinions, and being there for one another. Oh, and loving each other in the process!

The good news is that creating community and friendship is totally possible!—but not if you’re allergic to accountability or commitment.

By Matthew Ruttan
—“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday – Friday) and returns on January 21.
—Here’s a short video about what I’m teaching about this Sunday.