Fellowship of Believers

I have been really stirred in my heart lately on the subject of how important the fellowship of believers really is. God designed us to be like coals, to be set afire in the presence of other believers. When we move ourselves out of fellowship and outside the fire, as it were, we find that our light grows dim, and that is when satan comes at us. Even in the midst of spiritual battle in community, we can find we can grow discouraged, how much more is that darkness when we are by ourselves. Like a coal that is pulled out of a fire and left to cool, the light goes out, we become insignificant to the light and warmth of Jesus in our world, and we find we are truly alone. It is when we come back into the fellowship, that we find that even though it may be uncomfortable to someone who, like myself tends to be a bit of a loner, and even, yes a bit antisocial, finds myself encouraged and "lit" by other believers. It is true what is said "surround yourself with people you aspire to be like" and you will be like them. Just as we are to surround ourselves, and bathe ourselves in Jesus Christ's presence, we become like Him, so when we surround ourselves with positive, Godly people, we become like them as well. Jesus said Himself "wherever two or more are gathered, in My Name, I am there, in the midst of them". So true is this statement. This does not discount intimate worship and time with God alone on our sojourn's with Christ, but does speak to our need for other believers in our lives for victorious Christian living. Jesus said to "take up your cross and follow me daily" but then we find that fellowship with other believers helps to also share the burden of that cross. We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, here on earth, and in the heavenlies, we are to be encouraged that we are not alone, unless we choose to be. I suppose the imagery of the coals and the fire really was impressed on me again, when up at Tobin Lake at Wilderness Ministries I found myself staring into lots of campfires, playing guitar and meditating on the goodness of God. One last story before I go on this topic.
A man had not shown up to church for a while, found that there were too many hypocrites there, had been slighted too many times, and generally had become cynical about the whole thing. He decided it was better for him to stay at home, by his warm fire than to go out into the winter for church. One day, the pastor shows up at his home. The man lets the pastor in, offers him a warm cup of tea and a sit by the fire. Concerned, the pastor inquires into why the man hasn't been to church and the man shares his views. Quietly as they are both sipping their tea, the pastor places his cup down, and removes the poker from the fireplace. He removes a single coal from the fire off to the side and sits back down. As they quietly sip their tea, they watch as the coal's light fades until they cannot see any light but ash. The pastor then moves the coal back into the pile of coals and they watch as the coal starts to burn again, and glow like the other coals as the flames warm the room. The pastor finishes his tea, thanks the man, and leaves. The man shows up to church the very next Sunday.
I love this story, and I have to admit I am readily more interested in allegory. A couple things we can glean, like the pastor, we have to be ready and willing to reach out to those we do not see in church, to care enough to give them a call or take them for coffee so that they feel like they do indeed belong, are missed, and are loved. People will do what they want, but we must not leave a man behind. Love in action speaks louder than any words. I believe it was St. Francis of Assissi that said "Preach the Gospel continually. If necessary, use words." We are to be the salt and light to this world. We need to encourage one another and love each other, and by saving someone else, we find that we end up saving ourselves as we draw near to Jesus, the ultimate saviour.

God Bless You All Real Good! Moose