Life Together ... for the Sake of Being Known…a post by Rich

I (Rich) just finished reading Mataxas’ biography of Bonhoeffer in which he depicts Bonhoeffer’s exceptional family of origin as playing a critical role in the formation the theologian’s entire life. The depths of Bonhoeffer’s self knowledge that led him to willingly surrender his life for the sake of what he believe was true, good and beautiful was born from his love in family and his love of God. Bonhoeffer engaged God in daily reading of his word. He was confident of God’s will for his life. Bonheoffer was known to God, to others, and consequently to himself. He was extraordinarily courageous and kind in his final days. He was a man who lived community. Life Together is the title of the book in which he explores the essential need for Christian community. Curt Thompson writes in his book, Anatomy of the Soul, “The neuroscience is clear: the concept of a single functioning neuron or a single functioning brain simply does not exist in nature. Without input from other neurons, a single neuron will die. Likewise, without input from other minds a single mind becomes anxious, then depressed, then hopeless, and then dies, either by intentional means (suicide) or more passive forms of poor self-care. It is not good for a man or woman--or a neuron or a brain-- to be alone” (p. 112).God invites us to community. We are invited daily into the Trinitarian life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are invited into life with others. Our spouse, our children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, colleagues, neighbors, fellow believers are all gifts from God and they by their presence invite us to know them and to be known by them.Perhaps God's invitation for each of us this year is a commitment to do whatever it takes to be more fully known. Perhaps then a deeper and more substantive courage will be born within us to live the life God has given us. A courage born of knowing God’s will and of being known.