“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.” (Acts 4:32-33 NLT)
The closer we get to Christ the less we tend to hold on to what we think is ours, at least materially. The more my love for and devotion to the Savior grows, the less I need materially. Please don’t misunderstand, I’m very grateful for shelter, food, a comfortable bed, dependable transportation, clothes, and other material things that make my life so satisfying. But even as I type that list, I realize that a very large percentage of the earth’s population doesn’t enjoy those luxuries.
Ideally, if there was ever a group on earth that should never experience want, it’s the Church, the Body of Christ, not simply because we’re God’s children, but because we’re family and we have each other’s back. That’s one of the reasons God’s design doesn’t include “Lone Ranger” believers. God’s call is always to enter into community, but more specifically, the Community of Christ through fellowship with a local body of believers.
Early in my ministry I read a book by Reuben Welch entitled “We Really Do Need Each Other,” which changed the trajectory of my ministry. It opened my eyes to see my need of other believers, not simply to guide me in my walk with the Lord, but that we might be partners in addressing needs that were too big for any one person or even one group of persons to meet on their own.
But even beyond that, the greatest draw to me to the Body of Christ, the Church, is the fellowship I enjoy with likeminded believers. No, of course, we may not agree on every point of doctrine or how they should be applied in our daily lives, but we agree that Jesus is Lord and should be followed, revered, and given rulership over our lives, lives that belong to Him.
When Jesus is Lord and we are living in His eternal fellowship, growing daily in our love for Him and for each other, there is no greater comradery, friendship, or fellowship on earth. Dr. Eric Mason wrote: “When the church is being the church there is no community that can compare to the church.” It’s sad that we, as Christians, have given the Church such a bad reputation over the years, but, by God’s grace and under His guidance, many cities are seeing a significant turnaround in their churches.
Sadly, part of the problem is the leadership, most notably the Pastors, if their focus is more on their denominational preferences and loyalties than they are on Biblical directives. The Bible’s message is the unity of God’s people with their focus on Him, not their distinctives. We can walk in unity and still not agree on every detail of doctrine and church polity as long as Jesus is our focal point and accomplishing His mission is our goal.
The point is, nothing compares with the fellowship of God’s people when we’re united in our love for Jesus and the accomplishment of His eternal purposes. A large part of those purposes is the salvation of our lost loved ones and friends, but another vital aspect of our love for others is having an eye for those in need.
With whom can you partner in your church to help someone in need. Maybe they need money, but more than money many may need someone to do yardwork, housework, childcare, help with shopping, or taking them to medical appointments. Whatever it is, the Lord will give you insight into who you can help and how if you’ll ask Him. When we’re invested in helping others is when nothing compares to the fellowship of God’s family.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 