My family and I recently went on our first camping trip in Colorado. Really, it was our first ever family campout. My kids loved it! One of the main reasons they loved it was because we went with friends. Honestly, if we had not been invited to go with them we probably wouldn’t have done it. But since we did we experienced something beautiful and created a lasting memory, one our family may never forget.
Our experience camping is like the Christian experience of being discipled in community. In reality, it took more than one family to get us camping and to experience the beautiful surroundings of Wellington Lake.
For starters, we own zero camping equipment. One family gave us a tent that they had only used one time. From four other families we borrowed, lanterns, flashlights, air mattresses, air pumps, sleeping bags, a cooler, a second tent, folding chairs, and a saw, amongst other items.
We couldn’t have done it without them. I mean we could have, but I would have had to have invested a decent amount of money. For an inexperienced camper like myself, this was something I wasn’t ready to do, yet.
Some people may not be ready for a fully invested life with Jesus but they are ready to take a step in following someone, or a group of people who can serve as their guide(s).
We needed help with supplies but we also needed help with setting up our site.
I was once a boy scout, but I did not like it. I have repressed any memories or experience I gathered from setting up a tent long ago. So of course, I had skipped a step or two and one of the kids from the more experienced camping family helped us to set up our tents properly. Setting up your tents correctly when camping is extremely important. It rained on us more than once and the winds whipped the tent a bit. Sleeping in a cold, wet tent or having your tent fly away in the wind would be devastating. But we stayed dry and secure because our mistakes were corrected.
When your following Jesus in a community then your mistakes in life can be corrected. They do not have to be devastating. You are sheltered in the community. Mistakes alone can be devastating. Mistakes in a loving community can be absorbed and are then opportunities for growth and increased intimacy with God.
Before we left for our trip we not only gathered supplies we sought advice and instruction. We were equipped with supplies and empowered with encouragement and wisdom.
One piece of advice was to practice setting up the tents before we embarked on our journey and to also check air mattresses for leaks and to see if the pumps worked properly. Check, check, and check. That helped me to see that we could do this thing!
I gained some confidence. Yet, still, a big confidence booster was that we were not alone.
It was a reminder of my walk with Jesus. When Jesus saved my life God gave me a gift. He gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit. I am never alone because of his indwelling presence. He gives me the spiritual blessings for an abundant life and his power for a fruitful life.
I need God’s Spirit and I need God’s people in my life who not only equip me but encourage me as well. I am at my best when I “invite all my wisdom.” The wisdom and courage that come from the Triune God through his Holy Spirit are experienced tangibly within holy community.
Ok so don’t laugh. We only went camping for one day. For you seasoned campers, that’s nothing, I get it. “Big deal Jovan.” So with that being said, we still crushed it.
Anyways, do you remember your first time doing something that at first seemed difficult? Maybe it was your first time camping with your family, too. Maybe it was your first time going to a new church, or your first Bible study, or your first time attending a small group. What about your first-time hosting and facilitating a small group? Was it easy having a spiritual conversation or sharing your testimony? Did you have some help? You probably did.
Imagine someone who is attempting to take their first step of faith? Could they use some help even if what they are attempting to do seems small?
Come alongside to equip and empower them.
One day. Maybe one day. Just maybe. The Barrington family may lead their own camping trip and take someone less experienced with them (move in us Holy Spirit!).
Now, the possibility of us doing that doesn’t seem so far out of reach.
The same goes for followers of Jesus. You can do for others what people have done for you.
Invite someone to join you and your family on your journey of faith.
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Jovan preaches for the Littleton Church of Christ near Denver, Colorado. Visit here to listen to sermons preached at the Littleton Church.