Danger! Go!
Instantly, a dozen sparrows from around the backyard feeder headed for the trees and disappeared. They orchestrated their departure to perfection. Was a hawk lurching in the neighbor's yard? Whatever it was, they were alarmed. The predator, however, would have been hard-pressed to find the one bird he had keyed into from afar. So, as a group, they flew in perfect synchrony away from danger.
The simple display of the sparrows flying away in unison reminds us how important it is for Christians to stick together. Knowing this makes us less vulnerable. The Enemy will never miss the chance to lead us into greater isolation.
As children of God, God has built us for community. It seems to be an innate instinct within the animal world as well. With technological advances, however, humans have created an alternative to the exhortation in Hebrews. Online church is very popular. And long after churches have reopened their doors, a significant percentage of churchgoers still choose to worship from home.
One day as I was visiting with a woman in a small African village, I sat in silence as she carried on her daily chores. I spoke a sentence occasionally, but my grasp of the language was far from literate. I felt awkward every time I opened my mouth. Yet at the end of the visit, she told me what a lovely visit it had been because I had honored her with my physical presence.
What would happen in our churches if we had the same attitude as those in this small African village? What if, when we looked face-to-face with someone, we saw their presence as a gift?
The interaction of fellow believers promises God's presence and protection. God says that where two or three gather in His name, He is in their midst. So, whether it's a small group meeting in a home or connecting with a friend over coffee, the eyes have it. The appeal in Scripture is clear that meeting together as believers is imperative.
How can you place greater importance on meeting together with others?
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
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Deborah Payne is an educator in both the public and private sectors. Her passion is mentoring young believers. Deborah lives in Fort Wayne, IN, with her husband Bruce and playful cat Scooter.