Just as in a prism we can see the different colors of the spectrum, so in a fellowship of brothers and sisters we will find diverse reflections of God’s image. We rejoice in each of these, and reject all attempts to make people uniform. Since all are of equal worth, all must be free to be themselves. The more originality there is among us, the more vibrant our fellowship will be.

At the same time, we must distinguish between healthy self-determination – being true to one’s conscience – and the self-centered individualism that sees everything from its own perspective and seeks its own advantage. While the former is vital in a living community, the latter will destroy it.

Jesus called his disciples “friends” and openly shared his heart with them. In the same way, we should be friends to one another, appreciating each other just as we are with brotherly and sisterly affection.

Each of us has certain natural gifts that make us unique. But in themselves these are neither a help nor a hindrance in serving Christ. We must be liberated from the whole idea of measuring our own worth, so that we are neither conceited about our achievements nor plagued by feelings of inferiority for our deficits. We each must give our all.

In the outward expression of our life together, we seek independence from the conformist pressures of consumer culture. Though it appears to offer boundless choice, it is in fact often artificial and hostile to the growth of true individuality and integrity.

That is why in our manner of dress we reject trends and fashions, driven as they so often are by status-seeking and the exploitation of sexuality. Members dress in a manner that expresses our values of simplicity, equality, and modesty, in reverence for the way God created man and woman different from each other yet both in his image.

The only sure basis for individual integrity is a living relationship with Christ. Our life together in church community will wither away unless each of us remains personally connected with him. For this reason, times of quiet alone before God are important for every brother and sister. Each one has to find the right rhythm between silence and fellowship, that is, between encountering God in solitude or through community with others.

All members must be diligent in taking time for personal prayer mornings and evenings and throughout the day. All must take an active part in seeing that Christ alone is Master among us. Then God will be free to pour out his love on us and the world; then he can perform great deeds and “do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.”

* This online version of Foundations is for reference only. For the authoritative version, see the print edition.