Godly Interdependence

Godly Interdependence

Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed.

2 Thessalonians 3:14

Those who make a commitment to be members of the Amish church do so for life, but there are reasons they can be excommunicated. These offenses can include owning automobiles or computers, drinking alcoholic beverages, wearing English clothes, or refusing to kneel during religious ceremonies.

Those within the community must acknowledge the authority of the church. Excommunication does not happen lightly or quickly. It is done as a last resort. When Amish people come close to excommunication, church leaders attempt to persuade them to repent and return wholeheartedly to the church. They offer the wayward members a few months to reform. If they do not do so, they are excommunicated, and are also shunned, which means that all active members must avoid those people in all social activities. Active members also may not conduct business with shunned members.

The Amish believe excommunication is a loving act, designed to bring the wayward members back to repentance and fellowship with the church. The shunning also acts as a warning to active members not to fall into others’ sins. Since one of the Amish’s greatest values is family and community, the fear of being shunned goes deep.

Most of us live by different rules, but God has put us in the body of Christ to encourage one another to remain faithful. God has also given us Himself. When we share in His divine nature, we can stand strong. God doesn’t want us to become independent. This may look different in our world than it does in an Amish community, but the truth remains that we were made to serve God together in this world.

Dear heavenly Father, everything within me fights to do things my own way. But I long to draw nearer to You and to work in close fellowship with other believers. May Your desires become stronger in me, and may my own desires weaken.