15 APRIL

BLESSINGS OF FELLOWSHIP

“….Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:25, )

Some Christians do not go to church or any fellowship for various reasons because they think the church or pastors are “too money minded” or “corrupt”. Some believe the ministers are “sinners” like them.

So, I ask: Are all corrupt? The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:20, “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” No church is perfect or will be till the resurrection. Only Jesus lived and died and resurrected without sin!

There are those whose excuse is that “many Christians are hypocrites.” You will find the irony of such a claim in this interesting illustration. “I never go to church,” boasted a wandering member, “perhaps you have noticed that, pastor?” “Yes, I have noticed that,” said the pastor. “Well, the reason I don’t go is because there are so many hypocrites there.” “Oh, don’t let that keep you away,” replied the pastor with a smile. “There’s always room for one more.” The point here is that it is hypocritical to see all others as hypocrites. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, says Romans 3:23.

There are also some who say that Sunday is their day of rest. Actually, it was God who first declared a day of rest and for man it is primarily for fellowship with Him. What day have you given to God, your Creator, for a few hours at the least?

Some say they connect to the church service online. Thank God for technology! But then, life is mostly sustained by relationships. We need to sharpen ourselves in the faith as iron sharpens iron.

ACTION: Do not neglect the fellowship of other Christians.

PRAYER: Lord, please, help me to take Christian fellowship seriously.