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The Family of God

By John Spurling

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another ....Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Not long ago, my parents celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. As one of seven children, it was great to have everyone back together again. It was a grand celebration with my parents, all of my brothers and sisters, and our families. The place where we held the reception was filled to capacity. We sat around for hours sharing stories and fond memories from the times we’ve spent together. But what I cherish the most from that day was once again experiencing the joys of being part of a big family and knowing there are people I can count on who truly love me unconditionally.

Growing up in a large family definitely had its ups and downs. We had to learn to share almost everything and look out for one another. Hand-me-downs, eating leftovers, sharing a bedroom with your brothers, and having your parents forget your name from time to time were all part of life in a big family. None of us minded though; we simply enjoyed being together and being there for each other.

This reminds me a little of how it feels to be a part of God’s family and how much I enjoy getting together each week with my spiritual brothers and sisters. Spending time together with my Christian friends, whether at church, in a small group, or just a social evening together, is a priority in my life. I know that God has blessed me with friends who, just like my natural family, care deeply for me and help keep me accountable in my Christian walk. They unconditionally accept me for who I am: fears, failures, flaws, and all.

Therefore, taking the time and making the effort to attend church regularly and establish strong friendships with other Christians is a very worthwhile pursuit. From the moment God created Adam, He realized it wasn’t good for us to be alone. So He formed Eve from Adam’s side as a helpmate through life (Genesis 2:18–22). The benefits derived from building loving relationships and nurturing friendships are well-documented. Having strong, healthy relationships positively impacts our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being in dramatic ways. It’s simply the way God made us.

Perhaps those are some of the reasons why the author of Hebrews warns his audience against giving up meeting together as some were in the habit of doing (Hebrews 10:25). It is dangerous, on many fronts, to try and go through life in isolation, distancing yourself from church and others. Whether it’s due to hurts from the past or a hurried life in the present, failure to be part of the church (through regular attendance and involvement in a Christian community) will lead to damaging effects in the future.

Companies like Starbucks have experienced a meteoric rise in revenues and cultural impact because they have successfully tapped into our craving for community. In their sales pitch to prospective employees, they write, “When you work at Starbucks, you can make a difference in someone’s day by creating an environment where neighbors and friends can get together and reconnect while enjoying a great coffee experience.” Sounds like they expect people to stop, sip, and stay when they visit their local Starbucks. And it sounds like a worthwhile goal for believers and the Church to pursue.

The book of Acts shows us that the first-century church placed a supreme value on nurturing real community: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46–47, NIV). Something dynamic was happening, and people wanted to be a part of it. Their commitment to meeting regularly provided the opportunity to care for each other’s needs and to bear each other’s burdens. It was a visible demonstration of the kind of community Jesus spoke of before His death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven.

Take some time today and examine your level of commitment to church attendance and involvement with other Christians. Then ask yourself, “Over the past six months how have I been doing? Is my consistency and commitment where it needs to be?” God will help you find the answer. Then, once He does, act on it!

Church isn’t where you meet. Church isn’t a building. Church is what you do. Church is who you are. Church is the human outworking of the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s not go to Church, let’s be the Church.

~ Bridget Willard

Memory Verse

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4