The Communion of the Saints

How was church yesterday? Maybe you went to a big service or a smaller service or maybe a home church. How was that? Or ... did you go?

A large and apparently growing number of self-identified Christians are leaving church. Part of it, I suspect, is due to American (which has infiltrated deep into other cultures as well) independence. "I don't need anyone; I can do this on my own." Our heroes are those standalone guys and gals, the ones standing against the enemy on their own. We may poo-poo the "Lone Ranger Christian" concept, but I think more and more of us are liking it. Others might be failing to forgive a bad experience or simply are rebellious. "You're not the boss of me!" For whatever reason, too many Christians are not participating in the communion of the saints, that community that links all believers.

The Bible paints a different picture. We are described as a body, requiring each individual that comprises the varied parts (1 Cor 12:12-27). Believers that step out on their own are like livers and hearts that exit the body to do their own thing. That's neither good for the parts nor the body. Christianity is full of "one anothers," requiring community rather than individuality. We are to love one another (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; Rom 12:10), wash one another's feet (John 13:14), live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16), instruct one another (Rom 15:14), serve one another (Gal 5;13), bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2), be kind to one another (Eph 4:32), forgive one another (Eph 4:32), bear with one another (Eph 4:2; Col 3:13), teach and admonish one another (Col 3:16) ... do I need to go on? It is all throughout the New Testament. This isn't a small thing; it's a central issue. The church stands to defend believers with its elders, deacons, and members together. Believers stand to grow in sanctification by serving one another and exercising gifts. The church is God's mission to the world, both in edifying and maturing believers and in sending them out with the gospel. The Scriptures speak of koinonia. The first church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42), where "fellowship" is the translation of koinonia. Fellowship -- a key component of Christianity.

So Hebrews says, "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Heb 10:24-25). Paul wrote, "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" (Php 2:1-2). Tell me, if you can, how one can fail to gather with other believers and accomplish any of these commands?

So, how was church yesterday? You know, it is possible to go to church and still not do any of these (and the rest that God commands for believers to act toward each other). Did you go? Did you fulfill any of the precious instructions God gives us in His Word? If you didn't go, what excuse do you use? Do you think God buys it? No, no, I get it. There are believers who cannot make it to church in any form. Bed-ridden, hospital-bound, isolated. I get it. But I dare say that it's rare. Are you fulfilling God's instructions to love and benefit His children? If not, why not? (Rhetorical question; I'm not expecting an answer here. Just for your consideration.)