Importance of Fellowship With Other Believers
Remember that moment when you gave your life to Christ? Were you fired up and ready to do what ever He told you to do? Were you ready to throw away all the music you had, that did not edify your life? Just think back to that moment. For some of you it may have been a while ago and for others it may have just happened. Regardless of when though, through that excitement how many of you thought, “well it’s time to find new friends”, or a new hang out?
We tend to forget about some of the most obvious things in our life because they may be the most comforting things for us. It is not until we are in a situation, or maybe even just further in our walk with Christ that we begin to evaluate who we fellowship with. Think of those times that you are just so frustrated with something or someone. You talk with your friends who are not born again or may be but not working to grow closer to God. Think of their advice, and the kind of support you may have received from them. Most times the advice you may receive is about vengeance, handling it yourself, not needing someone or something (etc.). How many have said lets pray together about it? How many times were you reminded to pray about the situation and then given encouragement to have faith and believe?
Let no man deceive you with vain words: because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)
Why is this important you ask? When walking with Christ, there will be times when you may want stop doing what is right, and times you will want to share the joy of your blessings. It is during those times that being around someone who will pray for/with you, encourage you, or celebrate with you that helps you keep moving, remind you of why you work to more Christ like, and of the promises God has told us. They would know and understand your blessing are from God and will not compete with you to show they are just as good or better.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:18)
We are instructed to fellowship with other believers. When we are in the moment of needing help, the best help comes from our peers who have been where you are and have leaned on God to get where you are trying to go! It is of course easier to take advice or accept support from someone who is going through the same thing you may be experiencing at the same time, but it is wiser to fellowship with believers, because they not only understand the situation, but they are better equipped to help you get through the your trials.
I am by no means saying that you should drop your friends like a hot coal, I am however, trying to help you see what I saw and to understand what I understand. Whether you change things or not, as you walk with God things in your life will begin to change and if you ever hit a lull where nothing seems to be changing these are some of the things to think about. If you wake up one morning and realize that you have not been doing certain things like you use too or spoke with certain people, take a moment to think why before you run to change that or make that phone call. I will say confidently that it is for a reason. You never know, you may have influenced an old friend to do the same as you and ask Jesus into their heart.
As a mother I am quite busy but I am never too busy to do Gods will. I home school three children, a vocal coach, and a vocalist. I have tried my hand at many other things but as I continue to keep my eyes on God I am always pointed back to those main venues. I pray that my writings motivate, relieve or excite you about some of the things you may be experiencing yourself. Remember that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but God is love and forgiving and always there to catch you, lift you up and redirect you. Connect with me on my Blog, Twitter or Facebook.