EVERYTHING WE NEED: Assembling With The Saints
Karen Michell
“I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1). The NIV uses the word “rejoiced” instead of “was glad.” Either way, the Psalmist David was looking forward to worshiping in the house of the Lord. When our daughter was quite young, she memorized this verse but had her own version — “I was glad until they said unto me…”While we may laugh at her innocent misquote, I can’t help but think that many feel that way.
Notice that David invited others to go with him. It is essential that believers meet together to worship and praise God. It isn’t an option, nor is it just filling a position in the pew. It is much more than that — it is a common bond among God’s people who share the same beliefs, convictions and mutual cooperation. We call it fellowshipand together, we worship God, serve each other and promote the gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind, however, that without a right relationship with the Father and the Son, there is no true fellowship within the body of believers — no peace, no joy and no unity.
We are one in Christ, in body, in hope and in purpose. Even coming from diverse backgrounds, we can enjoy harmony one with another. The Apostle Paul wrote about the virtues that believers should exhibit — compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. Then he added, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12-14 NIV). Unity is necessary to carry on the work of the Lord. Manifesting these qualities leaves no room for disharmony. Conflict or discord within the body of believers comes from selfish gain or motive and is not lead of the Spirit.
We are to “encourage one another and build each other up…” (I Thess. 5:11 NIV). We are also exhorted to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24 NIV). We can meet the needs of those in our fellowship just by reaching out with love and concern.
We have this admonition: Let us “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25 NIV). We are living in the last days and, therefore, we must not neglect meeting together. When COVID hit, many Christians stayed away from church for health reasons. We were, indeed, admonished to limit our association with other people. However, when the pandemic was no longer a serious threat, many who were physically able chose not to come back for assorted reasons. Perhaps (though in error), they thought watching online was just as good as worshiping with other believers. Being out for a length of time, however, can often make it more difficult to get into the habit of attending again. Someone said that “watching church on live stream is like watching a fireplace on a screen. You see it, but you don’t feel the warmth.” It is essential that you do not forsake meeting with other believers. That is where you will grow in faith and develop as a strong believer in Christ.
Don’t be deceived. “…Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). Satan can’t take away your salvation, but he can certainly attack if you have become lenient in your walk with the Lord. He can shake your faith and trust in God, discourage you and make succumbing to temptations a little easier, leading you down a path where there is no joy or peace.
Attending church when it’s convenient will not enable you to enjoy the fellowship of other believers — a fellowship we all need. Be faithful. Assemble with the saints. Your church needs you and you most definitely need the church.