Today’s Bible Verse: Mark 1:16-18
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Words of Devotions
The modern media’s portrayal of the “lone wolf” seems to be growing more and more popular. From movies where the hero is mowing down hundreds of bad guys by himself, to books about “maverick” politicians standing against the grain and defying the status quo, it would seem as if we love a stand alone hero. But how realistic a notion is this one man versus the world mentality? And have we tried to adopt this model into our spiritual walk?
Even a cursory examination of Jesus’ first interactions with his disciples should be sufficient for the realization that we were never intended to go it alone. In fact, if we take it way back, what was the first thing after creation that God said was “not good”? For man to be alone (Genesis 2:18)! We were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and our God actually exists in community. Three persons in one being, and we affectionately define that truth as the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 John 5:7-8; John 1).
So, if we are his image bearers, is it a hard leap to think that maybe we were intended for community as well? Not at all… And surely Jesus’ calling of Simon and Andrew is a great example of that intention. He didn’t call Simon, and then later come back for Andrew, but rather called them together, in community with himself. God has not called us to “go it alone”, and for us to aspire or attempt to do so is both foolish, and counter to the Gospel! We are one body, with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:20). Our spiritual community should invade our personal lives, our family, our relationships, and help us to be the person Jesus has called us to be.
Do you constantly shy from community in favor of “going it alone”? Is this mentality birthed from your pride, and the idea that you are sufficient?
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