The Joy of Christian Relationship

Thom Rainer, author of the book, I Am A Church Member, wrote that one of the keys to being an effective church member is valuing church membership as a gift. I have received many gifts in my life, but the most precious physical gift I have ever received has been my wedding ring. In fact, I hardly ever take it off. It means the world to me, because of what it represents and what it cost. Not necessarily in monetary value, but my lifelong commitment to my spouse. In fact, it is not a chore to wear it, value it or live out what it means on a daily bases. There are many times it is hard, challenging, but the joy of the relationship far outweighs the tough moments. Valuing our local church fellowship is something Christians are encouraged to do. We should not see it as some chore or drudgery to take on each week, but a joy that has been afforded to us because of the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Before I became a Christian, I despised going to church. In fact, when I went,  this was the best sleep of the week. It had nothing to do with the church, preacher, or music. It had everything to do with me. I was far away from God and had no real relationship with Him. In short, I was not born again. I am thankful for the mercy and grace of God that He opened my eyes to the truth and I received Christ as my Lord and Savior. Something amazing happened when I was truly born again; I desired the things of God. For example, where I had no desire to read the Bible before, now I craved the Word of God. Things I used to like doing began to lose their value. Another amazing thing happened; I began to desire fellowship with other Christians. 2 Corinthians 5:17 is true when it says, “If anyone is in Christ they are a new creature.” Where at one time I hated to be around Christian worship and preaching, now this is what I began to desire. I realized that it is a joy and a gift to gather with the Saints of God!

Hebrews chapter 10 gives us some great insight as to why we gather together with other followers of Jesus Christ.  Note this is not just on Sunday’s, but actually living life together with those who are following Christ. We grow more in relationships of transparency , truth and the Word of God. Here is what the writer encourages us to do:

• Draw Near to Christ 

Jesus has made a way for us to be forgiven. His sacrifice on the cross set us free from condemnation, guilt and sin. As a follower of Christ, we are encouraged to continually draw near to Him. Why should we draw near? Well, He has made a way for us to come before the Father unashamed and without fear.

• Hold On To Hope

The Hope we have in Christ in precious. A born again believer is secure in Christ. Our Salvation is held by Him and nothing can snatch us from His hands. The writer of Hebrews encourages us in the midst of the world we live in, to hold on to the precious hope we have in Christ. In short, when we are tempted to look back or trust in anything else, our hope in Christ, keeps us pushing forward in Him.

• Watch, Provoke and Don’t Neglect

Our personal relationship with Jesus Christ should affect how we view our brothers/sisters in the Lord. The writer of Hebrews tells us to watch out, provoke and not neglect each other. Often we think the church is all about me, myself and I, when in reality it is about the next person. We are called to provoke each other not to sin, but too good works. Imagine your biggest cheerleaders in your Christian walk being your brothers and sisters in Christ. We should be constantly pushing each other forward to serve God.

One of the reasons we gather together, is to also constantly encourage one another to keep pressing forward. The believer that only considers the church as their inspiration for the week ahead has missed that they are called to encourage their brother/sister in Christ as well.

So the question the remains, are you simply being served or seeking to encourage and serve others as you follow Jesus Christ?