Don’t Just Watch, Join

Well, come on up to this ol’ front porch, friend, and slide that basket of snap beans over before that nosy ol’ guinea hen decides she’s been invited to supper. I’m plum glad you stopped by. Church from the couch can sho’nuff be convenient. You can worship in your house shoes, sip coffee during the sermon, and nobody knows you’re still wearin’ pajama bottoms that look like they survived a wrestling match with a briar patch.

Technology is a blessin’, especially when sickness, distance, or circumstances keep us home. But when we’re able to gather, Scripture shows us that Christian fellowship was never meant to be merely watched.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says we’re to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” not forsaking the gathering together. You can hear a sermon through a screen, but a screen can’t hug somebody grieving in the hallway. It can’t notice the tired eyes across the aisle. It can’t let you quietly whisper, “I’ve been prayin’ for you.”

Acts 2:46 paints a beautiful picture. Believers gathered, ate together, worshiped together, and shared life together. Church wasn’t an event they consumed. It was a family they belonged to.

And here’s a fresh little treasure from Malachi 3:16, which says, “Those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened.” Mercy, friend, God pays attention when His people gather and talk about Him.

Matthew 18:20 reminds us, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Sometimes God’s answer to our loneliness is sittin’ three pews away.

Father, thank You for the family of believers You’ve given me. Keep me from becoming comfortable on the sidelines when You’ve called me into fellowship. Show me somebody I can encourage, serve, pray with, and love well. Help me show up with an open heart and willing hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Alright now, friend, git on into your day before that ol’ whippoorwill starts takin’ attendance. A lone firefly gives a little light, but a whole meadow full can make the darkness look mighty small. Even geese know there’s strength in travelin’ together. Don’t just watch the family gather. Pull up a chair, bring your heart, and take your place at the table.

With joy,

Gwen