Personally, my family of origin and my immediate family have massively impacted me by way of spiritual life and growth. However, running a very close second, has been the local churches with which I have been affiliated. The influence of the local assembly of believers on the development of my spiritual life and Christian service continues to be absolutely essential. I love the church. Over eight-five percent of the time “church” is mentioned in the New Testament the word is speaking of the down-to-earth body of people who are meeting together in a certain locale, attempting to minister to each other as the family of God and reaching out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Church places and church spaces come in all shapes and sizes, yet it is the people that define the biblical church. Newborns and grandparents. Teens and twenties. Middle age and old age. Singles and marrieds. The seekers and the saved. People in spiritual progress. Remember the adage: “Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet!” Yes, there sometimes is the tragedy of abuse in the church and abuse by the church. Some individuals have been hurt by the church. Yet, for me, untold numbers of caring Christians have touched and instructed my life for God and for good. Our children and grandchildren continue to be cared for and prayed for by fellow-followers of our Lord.
Reflect upon the New Testament Scriptures: “I am writing to all of you in Rome.” (Romans 1:7); “I am writing to God’s church in Corinth.” (1 Corinthians 1:2); “Sending this letter to the churches of Galatia.” (Galatians 1:2); “I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus.” (Ephesians 1:1). On and on it goes: the church in Philippi; Colossae; Thessalonica; Pontus; Cappadocia; Bithynia, to name only a few. No wonder God challenges us with “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:24, 25). Is the local church on our radar? We commit to that which we value. May the church hold great value to us by way of time, treasure and talents. The church needs us. We need the church.