Ready
“And 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.” – Євреям 10:24-25
Set
A hall-of-fame coach said, “The success of our program is not because I personally have great coaching skills. I’m honestly just an average coach on my own. The difference is that I’ve been able to surround myself with a strong team of coaches. Together we make each other better.”
Successfully living for Jesus requires the same thing: a strong team around us. That’s why Hebrews 10:24-25 warns against “neglecting to gather together” with fellow believers. Instead, we need to engage in a community of committed Christ-followers. Here’s how we can apply the instruction of these verses:
1. Be part of regular community. If a player only sporadically showed up to practice or team-building opportunities, this player would miss out on the benefits of being part of the team. In the same way, we only experience the true benefits of being part of a community of people committed to following Christ as we regularly participate in that community. Be a consistent, involved participant in a good local church, which God designed to be the primary community of His people on earth. And participate regularly in a smaller community like a Bible study group where you can build even stronger relationships.
2. Be part of purposeful community. Community is about more than hanging out with people and talking about sports (as fun as that is!). Seek out and engage in community that is purposeful about the kinds of things Hebrews 10 speaks of: motivating one another to acts of love and good works, encouraging each other, and reminding one another of the unsurpassed importance of living for Jesus Christ—the King whose day of return is drawing near. As an athlete or coach, it can be helpful to find a community that is committed to growing as followers of Christ amid the unique opportunities and challenges of sports.
God never intended you to go it alone. You need others to help you live and compete for Jesus, and others need you to help them. Together you will make each other better.
Go
How have you experienced God’s work through a community of believers?
In this current season of your life, what specifically does it look like for you to be regularly and purposefully engaged in a good local church?
Workout:
Overtime
“Lord, thank You that when we respond in faith to You, we are now part of Your family. Thank You for spiritual brothers and sisters who help us and whom we can help as we seek to follow You. May we not neglect the community You desire for us. Amen.”