Yes, I Need Other Believers

 

That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 ESV

For context, this scripture is following the apostle Paul speaking about the different parts of the physical body. He compares this to the body of Christ and how each part is needed and compliments the others.

Many times, folks will say they do not  need to  go to “church”. I find myself agreeing with them in the sense that you do not need to go to a building called “Church”. The church is the people that are following Jesus. We weren’t created to follow Him alone.

In the book of Hebrews, chapter 10, we’re told to not forsake the gathering like some do. We need to gather together for encouragement and to remain in unity as a body of believers.

Why Do We Need Others?

I read an article one time about the fastest 1 mile run. The guy was unbelievably fast. His time was outstanding. No one could even fathom running as fast as this guy… until someone beat him. Once someone beat him, more beat the next guy. Sometimes, we need to see others do something, to gain the momentum we need to do it ourselves. Spend time with a street evangelist and learn how they share the gospel. You’ll soon be bold enough to share it yourself!

I recently heard in a message a lady share that the HUGE Redwood trees in California have shallow roots, but that the roots interconnect with all of the trees around them. When storms and high winds come, they hold onto each other to withstand the storms. This should be like we, believers in Jesus, the Son of God do. We should cling to Him, and hold onto each other to withstand the storms – standing together against the enemy. Standing together and sharing each other burdens.

I think the reason we need other believers, is because we’re all part of one body that functions together. Jesus created all all different yet complimentary. Where I may have talents and gifts, you may not. Where you have talents and gifts, I may not.

We need each other because the mission Jesus gave us is a big one: Take this good news to the world!

Are you exercising your gifts and talents for the body of Christ or are you hiding it under a box?

Do You Suffer & Rejoice Together?

The scriptures say that when one member suffers, so do the others. Do you feel like when a member of your church is suffering with some type of affliction, that you suffer as well? Do you care so much about them that you hurt when they hurt?

I’ve seen many examples of this over the years. One member of the body is suffering and the rest gather for that one member. They pray with them, help them, and see them through the trial – which sometimes ends in death of the human body. We need each other through suffering. Life can be difficult sometimes.

Another reason to join together as a body is to REJOICE together! That’s one of the best things for me.. is gathering with other believers in our church family and rejoicing together at what God is going in our lives and the lives around us. We sing songs of praise and worship, and share what’s going on in our lives.

Conclusion

We need people to live out our walk with here in this life. People see followers of Christ, and see how the forgive each other, how they love each other, and how they love other people outside of the church. It’s a showing of Jesus Christ alive and well in us and being a well of living water overflowing out of us. Don’t forsake the gathering of other believers. Join them to encourage, to be encouraged, to  sing with, and to learn and teach.

~ James Oliver, Pastor, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church

Photo Credit: Tegan Mierle