“Be A Spark”

“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

The Radio Bible Class devotional book Our Daily Bread recently contained this excellent word of encouragement.

Churchgoing has fallen on difficult times lately. For some Christians it is a weak substitute like a picnic on a rainy Sunday. Excuses are as plentiful as quarters in the collection plate. The fact is, many professing Christians don’t think Church is all that important. They think they can be perfectly good Christians without being part of a local congregation.

The author of Hebrews disagreed! For one thing, our own spiritual welfare is not to be our only concern. We go to Church not just to get but to give–to spur on other Christians to “love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). If we stay away, we may give them an excuse to be careless.

On the other hand, if we attend with enthusiasm, we encourage other believers in their ambition to draw near to Christ. If we are faithful in meeting together with them, we will honor the Lord, grow in our faith, and give a strong witness to the world.

The Christian faith allows no room for rugged individualists. To have a fire, you need more than one coal. You also need a spark and a draft of air. One humble, open, involved individual – perhaps you – set on fire by Christ, can be the spark. And the Holy Spirit, the breath of God, may blow on that spark and set a congregation ablaze. – Haddon Robinson

If we are honest, we must say

Our hearts are sometimes cold;

But fellowship can kindle warmth

And make our witness bold.

Fellowship builds us up and binds us together.