We’re all a bit weird and imbalanced. Isolation magnifies this. We’re aware of some of our lopsidedness, but for much of it we are either blind or oblivious. We’re much better at spotting other people’s imbalances, which leads me to the point of this post. We need the community to bring us balance. The community needs us to bring it balance. Thus, in the wisdom of God, He has placed all sorts of people together in the church—the Body of Christ—the Household of God—and told us to fervently love and serve one another while vigorously pursuing peace. We have something to learn from every single person—young or old—and they have something to learn from us. The community teaches us to share, to hold hands, and to look both ways before crossing the street. It teaches us patience (e.g., long-suffering), and as a result we become more content and thankful. Independence leads to a spirit of discontent. Interdependence puts us in our place and makes us useful and happy. In the community I learn how to do things better, and I also learn how not to do things. Vicarious learning is a blessed shortcut. When I lose my balance (as I often do), the community pulls me back to center and lets me try again, and again, and again…