“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT)
Given the state of our world today it seems more people than ever should be flocking to churches, but it’s not the case. With rare exception churches are struggling to maintain or are losing ground. This is true, not only in attendance, but faithfulness in serving, leading, giving, outreach, and in other vital areas. Why do you think that is?
Likely because more people who profess faith in Christ are leaving the church or have never been taught to understand the vital nature of being a part of a local body of believers. I’ve often contended that I’ve met some of the best people and some of the worst people in the church. But to allow another person or group of people to drive you away from the church is to rob yourself of an area of vital development in your walk with the Lord.
Early in my ministry I read a book by Reuben Welch entitled “We Really Do Need Each Other” that helped shape my view on the necessity of aligning ourselves as believers with like-minded people. Jesus followers are often compared with soldiers, and for good reason. I’ve watched a lot of war movies, among my favorite series is Band of Brothers which dramatizes the history of “Easy” Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
When you’re at war your comrades in arms are your “family.” And, like most any family, you’re not always going to like each other. You’ll fuss and pout and say stupid things to each other, but when the bullets start flying and the sky lights up with artillery fire, there’s no one you want by your side more than your fellow soldiers.
It doesn’t mean each one will believe exactly alike, they’re not all the same race, color, or creed, but they’re all fighting for the same cause, and, for those of us who are Jesus followers, there is no greater cause than “fighting” for King Jesus and His eternal Kingdom.
To profess faith in Christ and not give our allegiance to a local body of believers is a contradiction. Jesus is the Founder of the Church, which is literally “the called-out ones.” The word “Church” has many implications, one of which is to be “called out” of darkness into light, “called out” of sin and shame into forgiveness and new life, and “called out” of your home or place of comfort into a house of worship with other brothers and sisters in Christ who are seeking to follow the commands of their Savior.
But another vital consideration is the effect our laziness or obstinance in not choosing to find a place of corporate worship has on those around us. Kevin DeYoung wrote these challenging words: “The man who attempts Christianity without the church shoots himself in the foot, shoots his children in the leg, and shoots his grandchildren in the heart.”
Most reasons people leave a church seem to focus on them getting hurt in some way, which I understand to some measure, but, honestly, hurt feelings is not a valid reason for removing yourself from gathering with people of faith. Yes, I can understand if you have to break ties with that local fellowship but find another group with whom you can join ranks. Jesus died for the Church, so to casually walk away as though it doesn’t matter is a slap in the Savior’s face.
Please, make the effort to find a church home and commit your life to helping them build God’s Kingdom. It will be well worth your effort. Think about this: what if a big reason they’re not making a larger impact is because they haven’t yet met you?
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 