A couple days ago, after surviving a grueling 60 minute work out known as "Core Class," Candi and I were talking about the fact that we wouldn't get as much out of the class if we were doing the class alone. Knowing that Candi is around, plus the occassional "LET'S GO!" or "THIRTY MORE SECONDS... THIS IS WHERE YOU MAKE YOUR MONEY!" motivated me to not give up and to push just a little bit harder than my mind and body wants to. Without my highly motivational wife and friends I would probably not even go to the class. Anyone else with me? In reality, we were really reflecting on the strength and determination that comes from knowing that we're not alone - the encouragement to push on despite the struggle and weariness - the vibrance which is almost gleaned from others as we drive toward a common goal.And then I was immediately drawn to the parallel in our relationship with God and our mission between now and eternity. I thought about how I would quit so soon or not even enter the gym without a partner, an encourager. I thought about how desparately the individual members of the body of Christ need one another.
So may this be of some encouragement to you. Don't try to do something alone that God didn't intend for you to do alone. I know the pain and frustration that people can cause within the church of God, but I also know that I cannot do anything about the past. My choice is to draw closer to God in daily prayer, pouring those hurts out to Him, and to wait for God to act. And while I wait I know that He has commanded me to push on in obedience (to everything else that He has already commanded me to do).
If you've been walking as a lone wolf, seek the pack. If you're keeping your distance because of anger or hurt, don't leave it at that! Do you believe that extending forgiveness is far greater than bitterness or anger? If today were the last day of your life, would you want to carry the weight of unforgiveness and condemning others to your grave?
Or if you think that being with the church is unnecessary and you can have a relationship with God without it, consider the following:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. As I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34, 35. It's tough to fulfill this command from Jesus by yourself.
"Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. But exort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:12, 13 Two for one deal - warning and an encouragement! Nice.
"And [the new church] continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers." Acts 2:42
"so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Romans 12:5 Without you, the body is missing some vital part; a solitary hand or foot laying around is just freakish. It might have worked in the Adams family, but not in God's family.
"But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 And may this passage be an encouragement to those of us faithfully fellowshipping - show no favoritism; judge no one by their appearance; build no cliques; seek out those in the body of Christ with whom you feel you have no connection, because in truth you have more of a connection with them than any unsaved person. The time you take to make the connection and the love that you show is just what others (and you!) are seeking.
