4 Qualities of a Healthy Community

For a second time this week, I ask, “Why does the Isaac’s Live Lip-Dub Proposal video make me think of Christian community?”

Because it demonstrates a loving community that is …

1) Creative—to me, this is brilliant and fresh.

Scripture says, “Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy” (Ps.33:3). “He put a new song in my mouth …” (Ps. 40:3a). “And they sang a new song …” (Rev. 5:9a & 14:3a).

In a keyword search of Scripture, I typed in the word “new.” Along with song, here are a few other things that came up.

… new life …

… new way …

… new covenant …

… new creation …

… new humanity …

… new self …

… new and living way …

… new birth …

… new name …

… new Jerusalem …

… a new heaven and a new earth …

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5a)

From the Bible, I sense the words dull and unimaginative should never be attached to Heaven or its reflection on earth, the Church. This video challenges me to think in more creative terms (something a writer should contemplate anyway) about Christian community.

2) Collaborative—I get the impression two brothers started asking what-if questions based on an initial prod. Isaac wanted to ask Amy to be his wife in a memorable way. From the initial prompt a plan emerged.

Collaboration happens when people have a common goal and work together toward it. It could be a creative marriage proposal, a new business launch, or God’s work through the presence of His Holy Spirit.

3) Sacrificial—Can you imagine how much time and cooperation were involved to pull this proposal off? Isaac and his brother may have started the ball rolling but the whole thing wouldn’t have happened if others weren’t willing to sacrifice their own plans in order to help Isaac out.

Again I’m challenged in my own faith walk to follow the sacrificial model demonstrated by Isaac’s family and friends. As a Christian, what am I willing to sacrifice in order to make an Amy in the world feel special?

4) Delightful—as I watched this video, as I listened to the song, I smiled. I couldn’t help myself because it delighted me. When’s the last time you attached delightful to an experience involving others (especially one involving Christians in community)?

Laugh and dance and throw your arms up in the air (Isaac and Amy’s friends did) when you consider what God has done around and within us who are counted among the fellowship of believers.

Video or no video, I’m curious. What qualities would you add to this list?

Some good advice I recommend reading:

What Not to Say When Someone Has Cancer @ Jon Acuff’s Stuff Christians Like

3 Ways To Find the Truth–About Yourself @ Michael Hyatt’s Intentional Leadership

Dark Eyes, Deep Eyes

Two men. Two eternal destinies. One common hope.

My novel can be found at:

WestBow Press