“As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” – 1 Corinthians 12:20
Christians were not made or meant to go it alone. As individual temples of the Holy Spirit, we are re-made in Christ to worship, fellowship, love, and support one another in churches. Each of us is made and gifted to be an important part of a local church. Together, we form the local body of Christ.
In recent years, there have been many who claimed to love Jesus but argued they could worship God and live apart from any church for their whole life. This is ultimately a trick of the devil! Of course any Christian can worship alone from time to time. But we were made, shaped, called, and commanded to be a part of the larger body of Christ – for our spiritual health and for the glory of God!
A long-term un-churched Christian is about as likely to be spiritually healthy and growing as an amputated big toe lying on the floor is likely to be healthy and growing! Of course being part of a church runs the risk of being hurt. Of course it can be inconvenient and messy. Nonetheless, that’s how Christ created the church and how He commanded us to be. We need to get over any illusions about loving Jesus while avoiding His bride – that’s a friendship that isn’t going to last!
We’ve been made to be part of the body of Christ. Let us joyfully embrace the opportunity that active membership in a local church offers for health and growth, both for ourselves and more importantly for God’s Kingdom!