We all inherently recognize the connection between an individual and his/her choices with a community and its vibrancy. There are two ways to perceive this connection. The first is to expect the community to drive the change in the individual. The second is to expect the individual to drive change in the community.
When Scripture (or modern believers) speak about the faithfulness of an organization or an institution, what we are really talking about is the consensus of the individual choices within that organization. If we want it to change – to be humbled, pray, and call on Jesus’ name – it begins with ME.
We too often try to control what is not ours to control. Namely, the choices of others. We shout accusations and hurl expectations onto other members of our community, assuming we are all good ourselves.
Humility within a community begins with truth-seeking within the individual. We lead by example, not by demand. We cannot control others but we can have an influence on our community. That influence is the witness of our own set of choices. If we are accusatory, our communities will likely respond in kind.
Community change begins with each of us committing to a life of character. To focus on doing the best we can to steward the life we have been given. We are a domino in our organizations. How we stand or how we fall has an effect on the whole. We are not responsible for that whole, nor are we dependent on it. Our choices are our own. Our organizations and our communities transform as each of us commits to being transformed in our own heart and mind.