20-DAY CHALLENGE: LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (DAY-14)

20-DAY CHALLENGE: LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (Day 14)

ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON “HAPPILY” FELLOWSHIPPING WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“But if we are living in the light of God’s presence,
just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship
and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his Son
cleanses us from every sin.”
(1 John 1:7)

MEDITATION:
Have you discovered some scriptures
that describe how Jesus did some things that were hidden?
In other words, things that He would
be ashamed for others to see or know about.

I guess you could say that He was hidden when He
went off to Himself to pray, but He wasn’t hiding
anything, He just wanted some alone time with His Father.

The truth is, Jesus “lived in the light”, didn’t He?
He had no hidden agendas or anything
that He would be embarrassed for others to see.

Another question:
“Does it ever seem that other believers are
enjoying being a Christian more than you are?”
You can see the happiness they have when they are together,
but you feel as though you are on the outside, looking in.
There could be a reason you feel excluded
(even though you may not really be excluded).

The scriptures tell us there is a simple process
for enjoying fellowship and joy with other believers.
The process is to “live in the light”
in the same manner that Jesus did.

Of course that means that we would feel comfortable
if all facets of our life were exposed to the public.
It means that we are not living a sinful life
that is hidden from the view of others.

Some do and say the things that make them appear to be
followers of Christ, and yet they are living a continual sinful life.
Some are alcoholics, abusers, thieves, adulterers,
fornicators, habitual liars, etc. etc.

Some believers have decided that church worship 
is not for them, but is that what God expects of them?
Of course not! He commands us to participate
in corporate worship, as well as private worship.

We need to put aside the things that hinder us from
going to God’s House and worshipping with His family.
Our distractions from attending church may not be
sinful things, but they are causing us to sin by disobeying
God’s command for us to ‘meet together’.

How could we expect to have “wonderful fellowship
and joy with each other” if we aren’t “with” each other?
‘Living in the light’ does not mean
worshipping in a silo, at home, or by ourselves
(except for medical reasons, pandemics, etc.).

It also doesn’t mean avoiding God’s House
or other places where we can worship with other believers.
If avoidance is what we choose to do, then we should
not expect to enjoy fellowship and joy with other believers
to a “wonderful” degree (per the scriptures).

It might not sound pleasant to our ears, but refusing
to meet together with other believers, as commanded
in God’s Word, is blatant and willful disobedience.
The scriptures tell us to do it, and when we don’t,
how could it be anything else but disobedience?

The scriptures also tell us where our focus should
be if we want joy and happiness, or anything else.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

It is a simple question, “Do you expect to enjoy the blessings
of those who obey the Lord, when you choose not to obey Him?”
It just doesn’t work like that
(at least not according to God’s Word).

One last thing, would you like confirmation
that your sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus?
The scriptures tell us that we can have assurance
when we “live in the light (as Jesus did)”
and “enjoy wonderful fellowship and joy with other believers”.

Only God can solve the complicated problems in the
lives of people (that others may not even know about).
We are not qualified to assess other people
and their problems, and especially from a distance.

Without the Lord living in the hearts of people,
we will not have the ability to truly love each other.
Christ has a super-natural love which He gives to
believers, so that we are enabled to love others
(including those whom we otherwise could not love).

ACTION:
How exposed are the things in your life?
Are you enjoying wonderful fellowship
and joy with other believers?
If not, are there some things (priorities)
you need to change in your life?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I want to enjoy fellowship and joy
with other believers. Help me to start living a life that
I would not be ashamed of if it was exposed for all to
see. Teach me to live in the light as Jesus did. Convict
me of any areas where I have chosen to ignore (and
consequently disobey) any of the commands You have
given to those who identify themselves as Your children.
I want (need) the assurance that my sins have been
covered by the blood of Jesus. Thank You, Father for
the changes I expect to see in my life, with Your help.”