When you buy a new car there are certain standard features and certain optional features. You must have an engine, transmission, steering wheel, etc., or you’ll go nowhere. However, you can drive your vehicle without power windows, cruise control or tilt steering wheel. Those items are luxury items and are optional.
What about our spiritual car? What about fellowship? What about spending time with Christians other than at “church” on Sundays and Wednesdays? Is fellowship optional or necessary?
In the first century church we read of Christians being together a lot… as often as possible. Luke records, “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship… And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart” (Acts 2:42,46).
It is impossible to stay faithful to God all by ourselves. We need one another. We need to love one another and encourage one another to stay faithful. We need Christian friends with Christ-like attitudes and actions to lean upon. If the only people you ‘hang around with’ are non-Christians, then you are not tapping into a gift from God – Christian friends.
Fellowship – Standard or Optional?
Let’s face it – we need to spend more time with each other so that we can help each other get to Heaven. Plus, we have so much in common because of Jesus Christ. Personally, fellowship is not an option for me – I need you to be my friend, and I think you need me! Let’s fellowship!
Mike