“For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.” – 1 Corinthians 12:14-15
Christians aren’t meant to go it alone! It’s been quite popular for many years in our hyper-individualistic culture for professing Christians to say they don’t need the hassle or messiness of church. They argue they can pursue their faith and relationship with Christ on their own. They say they can worship God anywhere, which is certainly true. However, as a consistent pattern for life, all that is unbiblical!
When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord, He doesn’t just save us from our sins and call us to Himself. Jesus calls each of us into His body, which is the local church. He gifts us specifically to participate in, and contribute to, a local body of believers called a church. He shapes each Christian for specific service and ministry, fitting us together as one body, united by our faith, our baptism, His Spirit, and His presence.
Just because a Christian declares they’re “on their own” doesn’t make it so. That’s the point Paul is making in these verses. Whether God shapes you to be a hand, a foot, or a spleen in His church, He has shaped you to be in His church. So quit wasting time and the gifts of God and get in a church if you aren’t!
For your sake as well as the Kingdom’s sake, find and commit to Christian community and service as a member of a local church. Get to know and love people there. Lean into the messiness and find meaning. Lean into the hassle and find home. Lean into the challenges of ongoing relationship and experience true family in Christ. Lay down personal preference and experience the power of gathered worship.