Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s love for Christ and His people are very evident in his book Life Together. Some aspects of this book I found difficult to follow, since his definitions were not always clear, and the language he uses to describe aspects of the church were unfamiliar to me, which provided a challenge to the fluidity of the reading. However, Bonhoeffer gave me some new insights into the life of the Church and also into my own life that need to change. My unthankfulness to God and my pride, yes, my sin in general, do affect the Body of Christ in ways that I often do not realize.
One of the most profound aspects of this book I found to be his discourse on growth within the Church community. I was convicted once again because I want to have great faith, and great knowledge, and great love for God and others, great this and great that, and I want it all instantaneously. When I see that I do not have these Christian virtues in large measure, I so often see myself as a failure, as less of a Christian than others are. Lamentably, at this point of discovery I often blame God: I ask for big things knowing that He is able to bless me beyond imagining, and I have not received them in the way I think God should work, so I blame Him.
Bonhoeffer uncovers the truth behind my self-righteous pride. He reveals that I “prevent God from giving [me] the great spiritual gifts He has in store for [me], because [I] do not give thanks for daily gifts” (29). Growth in grace is simply that: growth. This growth is gradual, not immediate. However, the influences of an instant-gratification society have affected the way I sometimes deal with God: like a fast-food drive-thru.
Consequently, I not only treat God as my own personal vending machine, but I miss out on all the splendor of His gracious providence in the little things of everyday life. I take for granted all the rich blessings He bestows upon me everyday. This has a tremendous impact on my own spirituality as well as the Church as a whole.
My unthankfulness and self-aggrandizement leave me at odds with God, often complaining about my spiritual state as though it was His fault. At this point, I need to realize that the lack of growth in my life is because of this sin of unthankfulness. God wants first of all for me to be faithful in the little things before I will be ready to handle bigger and better things.
Not only is my relationship with Almighty God disrupted, but my relationship with fellow believers is affected also. When I do not acknowledge the gifts that God has given me, and when I feel too insignificant or unworthy to share the things that God has taught me, I hinder growth in the Church that otherwise would occur if I did speak up. I am not allowing myself to be used by God in the situations He has chosen to place me in. Thus, I am unwilling to be used by God for the edification of His people.
Therefore, I must start listening to the voice of truth that says that God is worthy to be thanked and praised for even what I consider to be the little (and often insignificant) things. When I recognize that these blessings come from the fullness that is to be found only in Him, and when I realize that I do not deserve even these, I can and will be willing to share these blessings with other, and encourage them to see God in the little things in life. Then I shall be able to truly have communion with God and my fellow believers.
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