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Habit of meeting together
And 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. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
Why do we neglect the things we know we should do? For example, I KNOW I need to stay hydrated, but I either pick coffee instead or just plain forget to drink water. I KNOW I need daily sunshine, but I get so busy with tasks around the house that I don’t step outside as often as I should. I KNOW boundaries are healthy, but I find myself spread thin with all the things I say “yes” to prematurely.
Sometimes it’s not a matter of ignorance of what is best for us, rather it's a matter of indifference, distraction, or refusal. As believers, we are probably not ignorant to the Bible’s encouragement to be active members in the body of Christ. But perhaps indifference (especially after the pandemic), distraction (hello hustle culture), or refusal (maybe from previous hurt), keep us from plugging into a local church. I’ve had my own times of isolating from fellowship, and it was those times I lacked the accountability and support I needed most. I know I should not make a habit of trying to do this on my own. There is value in being connected to the body of Christ. Among some of the greatest gifts God has given me are sweet sisters in Christ who have walked alongside me through transition, doubt, and trials. But I had to let them in, being vulnerable about my faith journey, making a habit of stretching myself to “stir” them up and accept their stirring.
Sister, I know that sometimes this is difficult to carry out. Perhaps we have experienced painful church hurt, or have to leave a church due to spiritual abuse. I have been there. I have experienced the aches of fellowship abruptly ending and having to start over elsewhere. My best advice is to seek the Lord, making it a priority of prayer that He brings people into your life, or perhaps back into your life. Pray that He guides you to a church body in which you can grow spiritually among like-minded believers. He is faithful to answer that sincere prayer.
God, help me consider how to stir up my brothers and sisters to love and good works. I don’t want to make a habit of neglecting the body of Christ. Help me find and maintain healthy fellowship among believers.
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