4|6|18 Oikos - Belonging

We live in a culture that values individualism.  But is it possible all of the emphasis we put on the individual can actually cost us reaching our full potential?  According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, there is a natural progression of needs that must be met.  For instance, It is difficult to feel safe if our most basic physiological needs for food and water are unmet.  It is hard to feel love and belonging if we don’t feel safe and secure.  And we can never reach our full potential without finding belonging.  

In our key text this week Levi was doing well for himself.  He had a comfortable job as a tax collector.  He made a decent living.  He was at the top of his game.  However, he was missing something in his life, a sense of belonging.  His fellow countrymen rejected him and excluded him from the religious community because he worked for Rome.  The Romans didn’t accept him because he wasn’t really one of them.  The only community that would accept him were the other tax collectors and “sinners.”

When Jesus came along he did something unthinkable.  He invited Levi into his oikos, he invited him into his family of disciples.  No one else would have accepted him, but the longing to belong was so great, Levi got up, left the tax booth behind, and followed Him.  Jesus wasn’t afraid to challenge the systems of his day and show love and acceptance to those who otherwise had been rejected.  

Jesus invites us all to become a part of his family.  Through the grace and forgiveness he offers, we are accepted and included in the community.  Finding the place where we belong brings value to this life and helps us cope with the difficult times.  Where have you found belonging?  Is there someone you are inviting into community?  Who have you walked by that is just waiting to hear their name? 

We hope you will consider joining us this Sunday as we discover how being a part of Jesus’ oikos can help us belong.  

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Gordon