Connected

I don't know how many times I have heard a teen or adult say, "No one has to go to church. They can always hold a devo at their own house." These thoughts are expressed in Bible class and school and play. Do Christians really have to go to church? Why can't they stay at home and worship with their biological families?

The question popped into my head one day: Should being part of a church community be a have to experience? Shouldn't we want/long to be a part of the body of Christ? Shouldn't we experience connectedness through community? Are we not given the charge to fellowship with, encourage, uplift and edify one another? The answer is yes. We are to desire to do these things.

The Hebrew author wrote "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

So, I think it all boils down to this: God longs for us to have an intimate relationship with Him. He also wants us to grow closer and more connected with each member of the body as we do so. Think about it.