The necessity of being part of a community

Growing up I was an introvert. I enjoyed playing on my own, working on my own and pretty much figuring out life on my own. I had what I would like to say my own advice or my own motto that I lived by and that was: If I can’t do something I try to figure it out on my own and if I still can’t do it I seek advice and counsel from others so that I can eventually do it on my own.

The reasoning for that was: What if something goes wrong and I’m left to survive on my own? I would think of the worst case scenarios that I could possibly fathom and see if I was somewhat capable of living on my own. It was something I stuck by until I came across a new chapter of life that taught me something different.

At the start of last year I joined a gap year curriculum that showed me the value of being part of a community. There were countless times where we had fellowship with each other that was in a very healthy way. Sometimes it was just a time of fun and laughter while other times it was more personal and profound, times that made us open up from the things that affected us in a positive or negative way.

Being part of a community gave us that opportunity to seek help from others. It never felt like a burden to ask someone but actually a privilege for both parties. What I also noticed was that when I became part of the community did I not only seek counsel from others but people came to me for they realised what I could offer that they had less or no experience in.

Being part of a community in my eyes makes life simpler, makes it more convenient. Yes in some ways doing things on your own will make you a much more streamlined person and you will have lots of time to work on your craft or
whatever it is you would like to but if you get stuck then what? If you are in need of desperate help then what?

So I guess there is a balance (just like everything in life). There are pros and cons to either direction but we are made for fellowship and we are made to help others. You will notice certain times where you will have such great love for those around you and other times where you can’t stand them, but that’s how life goes for everyone sorry to say.

Be inspired by the goodness of people and not their flaws.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10