When we hear the word striking distance, we think maybe that the U.S. is within striking distance of North Korea with how things are now. Or, we think the Dolphins are within striking distance of making the playoffs. Webster defines it as "a distance from which something can be easily reached or attained."
Psalm 141:5 talks about us being within striking distance of godly people. It says, "Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it." Let me unpack this in the context of Acts 2: 42-47.
These verses show a group of people that lived within striking distance of one another. They had devotion to God's word and each other. Out of this naturally flowed sharing with one another, having things in common, and meeting each other's needs. And, because of living out the devotion to God's word in the devotion to each other, there were miraculous signs, wonders, and awe. This then produced an attraction to those followers by those that were not followers and "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." And, to go full circle, the followers "ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."
We can't do life alone. We can't do life from a distance if we want to live the abundant life (John 10:10) and grab hold of the life that is really life (1Tim. 6:19). We need to be within striking distance of people, close intimate proximity in which we know the needs (and ours are known), we can pray for each other, meet the needs of each other, and do life together. That's the way God intended it. And, when we do this, we challenge, exhort, and encourage each other in community. It's the only way it can happen. Then, a challenge or encouragement will be "medicine" or "kindness."
Who are you living within striking distance of? Who are you doing life with in community -- an Acts 2:42 community?
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