Some time ago, I was impressed with the cheery cordiality of a lady who commandeered the meat counter of a local supermarket. She claimed Christian identity and that seemed to fit. But one day she confessed she didn’t attend church because other Christians might contaminate her. Her “Lone Ranger” status was exposed. Apparently she chose to ignore the flashing neon revelations from Jesus contained in John 15:12-17 and John 17:20-23 where we read his followers belong to him and one another — identified by their love for each other.
Hebrews 10:24-25 addresses the importance of being loyally involved in Christian community.
…let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Like all scripture, this verse is best understood in context. The author of Hebrews begins that letter by reminding us of the way God has chosen to communicate with us.
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. Hebrews 1:1-2 CSB
After elaborating on the theme of the supremacy of Jesus Christ and God speaking corporately to his people, the author of Hebrews issues a serious warning.
For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him.
Hebrews 2:1-3 CSB
The author then elaborates on the struggles of the community of faith (led by Moses), who were navigating the imperfect system of sacrifices that restricted them. Their lack of engagement with even that sacrificial system failed to transform their hearts. However, the perfect sacrifice of Jesus transforms the hearts of his followers into a community of faith who enjoy his tangible presence and reflect his glory.
The key to experiencing this kind of community also involves sacrifice: a sacrifice of our personal autonomy to the authority of Jesus, who, by the Holy Spirit, dwells in the community he has established. Cultivating our identity with Jesus in his community requires showing up, participating, and giving (more than we planned) to less than perfect brothers and sisters.
At certain junctures, the level of energy required to keep our commitment to Jesus’ community feels sacrificial because, like the meat counter lady observed, “other” Christians sometimes get contaminated with sin. But don’t get discouraged, Jesus has committed to hanging in there to get his followers back on track!
I don’t recall every instance I’ve been tempted to retreat to the “safe space” of isolation or to be just plain lazy. But years ago I made a commitment to God to simply show up and participate in Christian fellowship however dull or challenging I anticipated it would be. This included committing to service that appeared mundane. When I’ve combatted the urge to abandon gathering with other Christians, to instead step up to keep my commitment, the Holy Spirit always surprises me with affirmation of his unique presence in Christian community gatherings.
If you’ve not yet made such a sacrifice, advance in that direction. If you have, reflect on God’s remarkable faithfulness.
by Kathleen Petersen
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