“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Today is a day for coming together as a community. We grill, we swim, we hike in a park or go to the beach. We surround ourselves with family and friends. Sometimes we remember that this is the birthday of our country, and remember what was sacrificed 242 years ago to get us here. But mostly, it’s a party with a specific theme: red, white, and blue, with stars and stripes, fireworks and barbecues, and a lot of fun.
We don’t tend to struggle with stirring up love and good works today, or even meeting together. Now, the reminder in this passage from Hebrews is about gathering for worship, but having times of fellowship with other Christians is also important. Maybe it won’t happen on the 4th of July, but it’s good to gather with other Christians in homes, restaurants, school activities, parks, beaches, and wherever else you can.
These are the gatherings that begin and end with prayer. They include time for sharing our joys and our sorrows, our fears and our hopes. We NEED Christian community to strengthen us in this life, to build us up into the body of Christ.
Come to worship, and stay for the donuts. Take time to get to know your neighbors. Smile at the cashier checking you out, and tip well at the restaurant. These are the ways we continue to live as Christ’s hands and feet on this earth.
