Just Me and Jesus and You and You and You and...
What if your journey with Jesus was a solo trek? It sure would be convenient to set your own pace and do things your way. You wouldn't have to wait on anybody, carry their pack, or walk a mile in their shoes. But what would happen when you needed encouragement to get up the hill or advice on which way to turn? How would you stay warm when the rain and winds blew? Who would you lean on if you twisted your ankle?
The truth is, there is no "just me and Jesus" on the Christian journey. When we come to Christ we become part of His Body, the church. God intends for individual members of the church to travel together, to need each other, to help each other grow. The church is not some afterthought God threw out there so we'd have something to do on Sunday. It's not some activity He thought up so we can prove what good people we are. The church is more than an activity, more than a religious country club, more than an organization we give a few hours to every week. The church is a vital part of God's plan for His children to grow in their faith as they interact with other believers.
Your church is not an accident. The believers you're with are not some random group of people. God has knitted your particular (and probably peculiar) community together into a special pattern. Each person is needed for the body to be healthy and strong. You matter. People in your church need your spiritual gift, your testimony, your life experiences, your personality, your talents, and yes, even your quirkiness!
Lord, thank you for my church. I'm sorry for the times I've tried to go it alone. Use all I am and have to help other believers grow to be more like you. Help me let go of my pride and allow others to help me be a stronger Christian. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
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