Flourishing as an Antidote to Individualism

As a Christian school community, we should be continually bothered with how we shape our community’s sense of, and practices that encourage, flourishing.

As I read a newly published article by my good friend Dave in Christian Teachers Journal (33(3), pp. 4–7), I was struck by the questions he raises: 

Why should we link flourishing to Christ’s ministry and His example of abundant living? How is flourishing connected to Christ on the cross? And how, as a community, might we be more concerned with how others are experiencing the fullness of life—trusting that our own needs will be met by those around us? 

Here are my initial findings and musings, put together under headings, to guide your(s) and my continuing and evolving posture as we seek to live in a community that is flourishing in faith.

Flourishing – flourishing and abundance, in the context of the metaphor of the Good Shepherd

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10: a life fully alive — rooted in love, purpose, and connection; an abundant life that is relational, communal, and deeply spiritual.

Rooted and Fruitful in God – verses that illustrate how flourishing comes from dependence on God, not self-sufficiency

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord... They will be like a tree planted by the water... never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7–8

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water... whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:3 

“I am the vine; you are the branches... apart from me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5 

Flourishing in God’s Presence – images of healthy growth tied to being planted in God’s presence

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree... planted in the house of the Lord.”  Psalm 92:12–13 

“You will be like a well-watered garden... a spring whose waters never fail.”  Isaiah 58:11  

Encouragement and Unity – flourishing because of our interdependence on one another, in Christ

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on... not giving up meeting together.”  Hebrews 10:24–25 

“In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”  Romans 12:5 

“If one part suffers, every part suffers... each one of you is a part of it.”  1 Corinthians 12:25–27 

Love and Service – sacrificial love bringing about flourishing of community.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2 

“Love each other deeply... use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”  1 Peter 4:8–10 

“Love one another... by this everyone will know you are my disciples.”  John 13:34–35 

Reframing Abundance – a flourishing life is not about “having more”, but “being more” – as imitators of Christ

“I have learned the secret of being content... I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:12–13 

“God is able to bless you abundantly... so that you will abound in every good work.”  2 Corinthians 9:8 

“Seek first his kingdom... and all these things will be given to you.”  Matthew 6:33 

Some important, God-inspired words, to inform our collective thinking.

Shalom.