Staying Anchored to Community

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Introduction:

Are you familiar with the Power9: the secrets to living longer and better by Dan Buettener’s research in the Blue Zones (the longest-living cultures in the world.)?

Here’s a brief introduction to the nine behaviors researchers believe can lead to living longer, better:

1. Move (find ways to move mindlessly, make moving unavoidable)
2. Plan de Vida (know your purpose in life)
3. Down Shift (work less, slow down, rest, take vacation)
4. 80% Rule (stop eating when you're 80% full)
5. Plant-Power (more veggies, less protein and processed foods)
6. Red Wine (consistency and moderation)
7. Belong (create a healthy social network)
8. Beliefs (spiritual or religious participation)

9. Your Tribe (make family a priority) 

Community embodies 3 of the 9 key components to living longer, healthier and happier.

But in the pursuit of material wealth we sabotage community and fall prey to discontentment.

A. A biblical perspective on two common pitfalls of materialism. Ecclesiastes 4:7-8

            1. Lack of enjoyment

            2. Relational isolation

B. Key benefits of living in community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

            1. More productivity

            2. More support

            3. More physical and emotional warmth

            4. More protection

            5. More connectedness

How can we keep ourselves anchored to community so we can enjoy the benefits it provides?

C. Practices that keep us anchored to community.

            1. Take time to see

            2. Take time to “talk story”

            3. Take time to play

            4. Take time to serve

            5. Take time to love

            6. Take time to feel. Romans 12:15