JAN 23

Hebrews 10:23-25
Memorise Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
“Two are better than one…”

WILL YOU AVAIL YOURSELF TO FELLOWSHIP?

When an item is precious and important to us we hold on to it tightly and always keep it in our sight. If you have professed, that is, declared faith in Christ, hold on to it with a firm and determined grip and keep on holding on to it strongly, focused, without hesitation. This is not something that is easy to do, to keep on living a life of faith not just now but to the end of your life. Many saw the miracles of Christ and professed faith but only for a short time, and then fell away. This is why fellowship is so important. There is strength in numbers. When Christians gather together there can be encouragement, correction, help and last but not least, friendship. As we ‘consider’ – look at one another, we will spur and prod each other to love and bear fruit – good works. Fellowship is to be taken seriously because through it believers can mutually strengthen one another in the faith. Sadly, many, even during Paul’s time, had abandoned, and deserted fellowship, to their own peril and detriment. They are the opposite of those who have held on to their faith to the end. The need for fellowship is all the more important as the day of Christ’s return approaches. As the need to stand fast increases, the pull and lure of sin to give in will also be all the stronger.

It is easy to have interest and be committed to something for a while. Consider how many hobbies, toys, pets that you were once so very interested in but now are no longer? Your faith cannot be like this. If we stand alone, it is all too easy to allow sin creep in and have a foothold in your life, such that you succumb to the temptations of the Devil and live a life that is no different from an unbeliever. You lose heart when disappointments and trials come our way and begin to doubt God and stop trusting Him. You grow to have more in common with unbelievers and you draw further and further away from living a Christian life. It happens all the time. So many friends who were once active and zealous for the LORD are now living disobedient worldly lives. We must place fellowship as a priority in our life. Recognise that is an essential and basic part of maintaining a reformed life. Good and sound Christian fellowship will challenge us to put away sin, overcome discouragement, know more of God and give us precious friendships that can encourage us in your Christian walk.

Thought: What are your obstacles to fellowship? Are you a good Christian friend, or no better than an unbelieving friend?
Prayer: LORD, may I love fellowship with Your people and may I be a spiritual friend.