Editorial: Why We Need Each Other

Editorial by Rob Vandeman

For centuries, throngs of people sung Psalm 133 on the road as they made the ascent to Jerusalem for festival worship. Our imaginations readily reconstruct those scenes. How great to have everyone sharing a common purpose, trav-eling a common path, moving toward a common goal—that path, purpose and goal being God. How much better than making the long trip alone.

As we come to declare our love for God, we must face the reality that, while we are a family of faith, we are not necessarily one big happy family. We do not immediately stop being sinners the moment we first believe in Christ. Most all of us need some degree of remedial help in gracious family living. But if God is our Father, then this is our family.

Endless Possibilities

Psalm 133 presents what we are after. It puts into song what is said and demonstrated throughout Scripture and church history: community/fellowship is essential. Living together in a way that evokes the glad song of Psalm 133 is one of the great and arduous tasks before God’s people. Nothing requires more attention and energy.

Important in any community of faith is an ever-renewed sense of openness and acceptance for what God is doing with our brothers and sisters in the faith. We refuse to label each other. Each person in the community is unique. Each is specially loved and particularly led by the Spirit of God. How can I presume to make conclusions about anyone? How can I pretend to know your worthy or your place?

A community of faith flourishes when we view each other with expectancy, wondering what God will do today in this one, in that one. When we are in a community with those whom Christ loves and redeems, we are constantly finding out new things about them. They are new persons each morning, endless in their possibilities. We explore the fascinating depths of their friendship, share the secrets of their quest.“How wonderful and pleasant it is when [siblings] live together in harmony!” (Ps. 133:1,NLT). Believe it. Practice it.

Rob Vandeman serves as executive secretary, Ministerial director and Human Resources director for the Columbia Union Conference. Read more of Vandeman’s thoughts on the Psalms at columbiaunionvisitor.com/journeythroughpsalms.

Read these articles from the November/December 2020 Visitor:

Editorial: Why We Need Each Other

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