Weekly Thoughts are published every Wednesday on our Facebook page and soon after here on our website. Every month we produce a pdf file of the previous 4 thoughts. If you’d like a copy please email sjekillileagh@gmail.com. Printer copies are also available in the church.
Abba’s song ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You’ is about a relationship breakup. As Christians, as we know and increasingly love God, we never have to fear a breakup, God is faithful, He is always with us and never leaves us! We are said to be living in unity with God
In the Bible we are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3), be in unity with God, be at unity within ourselves (1 Peter 3:8) to make peace with ourselves, and in unity with all followers of Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:10) to be active in a community of believers. Knowing God and ourselves is not enough we also need to know other Christians.
Some Christians believe that they don’t need to go to Church, that praying, reading their bible, doing good things is enough. The bible tells us differently. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Paul explains why meeting as Christians is important “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” There are times when we have questions, doubts, or are down, and it’s in these times the Christians around us have an important role to play in supporting us. If possible, this is best done face to face and to encourage fellow members of God’s family more and more.
Staying connected in a church community helps us to centre our lives on God. We were made by God to be members of His family, not to be alone and isolated. God made and wants us to love other people and particularly to love others in His family.
This needing to connect with fellow Christians is reinforced in Romans 12:5 “Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.” Verse 12:6 tells us the body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people with each of us needing to find our role as a part of His body. God gives us different talents to undertake His work. Often this works best along with the talents of others delivering God’s vision. The sum of the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Your spiritual life will be weakened if it’s disconnected from the body of Christ, the family of God. Just as a plant grows from its roots, we must also be connected to our spiritual root, Jesus, for us to grow in faith. A plant is more effective and beautiful through healthy root growth and conditions. God’s church is more beautiful and effective the more we as Christians meet.
Finally, God calls us to share our faith, to be His disciples on earth Acts 1:8. Gathering for worship reveals to everyone that we follow Christ, and that Christian fellowship is an essential aspect of our Christian life. We are His witnesses.
Encouraging one another and supporting each other in spiritual growth is what God wants of his family. Ask God the role He wants you to play in his family. Who can you encourage or help grow this week?
Knowing Me, Knowing You, it’s the best we can do!