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 of if others
could see or know about them. 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 why we
might feel unaccepted (even when we are not excluded).
The scriptures tell us of a simple process for enjoying fellowship and joy
with other believers. We need to “live in the light” in the same manner of
the One we are following, Jesus.
Of course, that means we would feel comfortable if all facets of our life
were exposed to the public. It means that we are not guilty of 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 continually sinful life. Some are ‘closet’ alcoholics,
abusers, thieves, adulterers, fornicators, habitual liars, etc. etc.
Some believers have decided that worshipping with other believers is not for
them, but is that what God expects of those who are part of His family? 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. We might have extenuating circumstances which
prevent us from physically attending a house of worship, but if we are able, we
should anticipate and enjoy worshipping with our church ‘family’. We may be
substituting other things that are not sinful, 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’ doesn’t 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, then we shouldn’t expect to
enjoy fellowship and joy with other believers to a “wonderful” degree (as indicated
in the scriptures).
It might not sound pleasant to our ears, but when we refuse to ‘meet together’ with
other believers (as commanded in God’s Word), it is blatant and willful disobedience.
It means we have given something else a higher priority than worshipping the One
who holds our eternity in His hands. The scriptures tell us to do it, so 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 any other blessings from our Lord.
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 (problems
and issues that others may not even know about). We are not qualified to assess
other people and their problems, and especially from a distance. Consequently.
we shouldn’t make any attempt to judge others; only God is qualified to judge.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
(Matthew 7:1)
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not
condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive,
and you will be forgiven.”
(Luke 6:37)
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.
Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or
judges them, speaks against the law and judges it.
When you judge the law, you are not keeping it,
but sitting in judgment on it.
(James 4:11)
We can ‘examine the fruit’ and determine if the actions of others are
righteous or unrighteous, but we shouldn’t let their actions cause us
to decide if they have received God’s salvation. God is the merciful
giver of salvation, so only He knows the ones who have received His
free gift.
Without the Lord living in the hearts of people, we won’t have the ability
to truly love each other. Jesus has a super-natural love which He gives to
believers, so we are enabled to love others (including those whom we might
not love without His Spirit living in us).
ACTION:
Questions to consider:
– How exposed are all things in my life?
– Am I hiding a sinful life from others?
– Am I enjoying wonderful fellowship and joy with other believers?
If not, are there some things (priorities) I need to change in my 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 members of
Your family. I want (need) the assurance that my sins
have been covered by the blood of Jesus. Thank You,
Father, for the changes I can expect to see in my life,
with Your help.”
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