When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. (Romans 1:12 NLT)
That sums up the reason to be involved in a church family perfectly.
I can always find reasons to justify why I’m not going to church as often as I should be or why I’m not actively involved with other Christians in small groups or other activities.
I tell myself … “I can praise God loud and proud in my kitchen, in my car, etc.” – o.k.
I tell myself … “I can read the Word and pray daily. On my own and with my family.” – great
I tell myself … “I can listen to great Christian teachers on the radio all day long. Or watch church on t.v. or a podcast.” – wonderful
But even if all of this is true, I am still missing out on the chance to encourage Christian brothers and sisters and to be encouraged by them.
The Christian church has always been the body of Christ. (I Corinthians 12:12) It is not intended to be a bunch of individuals operating exclusive of one another, but rather a chorus of people working together to be the salt and the light in their communities. If God intended us to be on our own, he probably would have given each of us at least a little bit of all of the different gifts and talents. But instead we each have our own gifts that we are meant to use together to accomplish the mission of the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19)