I belong to the American Automobile Association. Very handy whenever we have needed road service. I have no relationship with any other of the millions of members. It has little to do with what I believe or what I’m living for. I pay my dues, I get the privileges. Such is the deal of belonging to an organization formed for the benefits of its members.
Years back I talked with someone who had attended church on rare occasion. Why not come more often? “I’m not a joiner” was the answer. Unless one wants a place to get married, or to have help being buried, the privileges of church membership may not seem worth the “price.”
Whether to belong to an organized team also depends on what kind of sport you like. Belong to a bowling league? Maybe you prefer to bowl alone. Belong to a gym? It maybe more convenient to get exercise on my neighborhood streets or on an inside bike.
But if you want to play soccer or baseball, individual interest alone won’t cut it. And while you may join a team just for your own benefit, you soon come to care about the team’s success. And some of your teammates may become buddies you hang out with.
The Bible shows that Christian faith is a team sport. The Old Testament chronicles the ups and downs of a nation chosen to bless the world. The Gospels are about a team Jesus chose, to learn his ways and work together and care for each other, in order to reach the world.
The letters to that first generation of churches pictured “members” in a totally different way from isolated individuals who pay dues for benefits. Rather, the term meant a connection as interpersonal as your eyes and ears and fingers and toes – the members of a body. So what are we told that Christ followers do?
--Encourage and guide each other
--Care for each other, emotionally and practically
--Be examples for each other
--Sing and worship with each other
--Serve each other, and serve with each other
--Forgive each other and pray for each other
The Bible says little about official, organization membership. But it describes a committed fellowship of those who love and serve each other out of loyalty to their Lord and Savior. Who say, You can count on me, by the grace of Christ, to help this team win.
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