In my pre-Jesus days there were a lot of things I did wrong. I abused alcohol and drugs, sexual sin was a major issue, I was bitter and angry, and my selfishness was off the chart. I’m not sure why anyone was friends with me, but here is where it gets interesting.

I actually did have some really close friends. And do you know what? They all had the same issues that I had. Maybe this is what drew us together, and I cared for them — maybe even loved them on some level. We would go everywhere together, kind of like a pack. Whatever bar or party we were at, I knew I was safe because I always had my boys with me. When I got in trouble, they were there. When they got in trouble, I was there. We were extremely faithful in that regard.

So the day came that Jesus saved me. I was such a mess! I really didn’t know where to start, but the Holy Spirit did, and piece by piece, the Lord began to change me — from the inside out. I still struggle with sin as ALL Christians do, but the changing, sanctifying work of King Jesus is evident in my life.

Now here’s the weird part which I understand now, but didn’t when I became a Christian: Christians need to run in packs. Like dogs, or gang members. Yeah, I just said that. It is an absolute need. You know why? Because NUMBERS ALWAYS WIN.

Before Jesus, I had this large network of men who were committed to the same things I was (sin), went to the same places I did, and worshipped the same things I did (self). We protected each other's interests. Then when I came to Jesus, I felt like I was supposed to be by myself. Like a Christian Lone Ranger. It was just me and God, and that was enough. The problem is not with God, it’s with me. I had a need for others — which God commands — I just didn’t realize it.

Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

The Hebrew word for “stir up” literally means “to incite” or “to push to.” We are to push each other to what, sin? No! To love and good works! We are to meet together, and encourage one another. That means in person! Listen, I’m not against Facebook. I enjoy my social media, but encouragement online pales in comparison to encouragement in person. That’s the kind I need daily.

We have a lot of big scary dudes at Logos Community Church. They are big, strong, tattooed dudes that look like they can kill you. When I share the Gospel with them, I let them know that as big and strong as they are, I can bring 20 5th graders in and take them down. They always laugh when I say this. Why? Because they know it’s true. Numbers matter. In fact, most of the time, numbers win. There is safety in numbers.

We all (me included) need to be a part of the local church, not just attenders. We must be accountable to others, not just facebook friends. We must engage with other believers who are part of a rich, poor, older, younger, married, single, crazy, conservative, Republican, Democrat, home school, public school, no school kind of a community! Why? Because Jesus was. And real community, brings real change.

So now, I’m in real community, because I want to be more like Jesus, and I want to obey Him. I need to be surrounded by men that are committed to the same things I am (Godly living) and worship the same God I do (King Jesus). They hold me accountable. They love me, and the push me, even irritate me to love and good works.

That’s your call as well. What’s keeping you from being held accountable by other believers? What’s keeping you from real community? It’s my prayer for you. It’s God’s command for all of His children. Don’t make me send the 5th graders.