Dear Reader,
It can often be easy to forget that we actually need to fellowship with other believers.
In fact, it can be rather tempting to just forgo the whole idea altogether, reasoning that we are able to get strength in our alone time with God and that we don't really need to spend time in a church.
I have been there, believe me.
I'm a minister's daughter, but I often have to attend church services where people other than my father were speaking and where the sermons were dry, bitter, full of hatred, theological jargon, etc.
And, many times, when my dad ministered in other places, the congregation would look at me and my siblings, silently judging us since we were the minister's children.
It was during those times when I wished that I wasn't a minister's daughter and that I didn't have to attend church.
What was the point of going to church if all I was going to get was (1) impractical and unbiblical sermons and (2) passing judgments?
What was the point?
I struggled with this. Scratch that. I still struggle with it.
I heard people say not-so-nice things about my dad. I saw many ignore my mom because of skin color.
And this is in a church, people.
The church, the place where these sort of things shouldn't happen, has these things happen.
But does this mean we should ignore the church? Does this mean that we should come out of it and live by ourselves in Christ?
I don't think so. However much I might want otherwise.
The Bible says that we should not ignore the fellowship of the saints. That we actually need this fellowship.
Wait. Say what?
"And let us consider one another to provoke to 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 you see the day approaching." -Hebrews 10:24-25
(I recommend reading the whole passage, though.)
But the point stated here is that by going to church, to fellowships, we learn how to better prepare ourselves for Christ's Second Coming.
Not gonna lie. Many times, people in the church do things they shouldn't do. How on earth are those people going to help us grow?
Simple. They force you to build your character.
"Iron sharpens iron" says Proverbs 27:17.
This is the reason we fellowship. To encourage one another to grow. To sharpen one another's character - intentionally or unintentionally.
So, if you are having doubts as to whether you should continue going to a church that doesn't seem to help you grow, I would encourage you to pray about it and seek counsel. God knows your situation better than anyone else, so He is the best person to ask.
And also, for those of you who don't have those doubts, I would like you to ask yourself... Are you treating others the way you want to be treated?
Think about it. Are we really being or trying to be a true fellowship of saints? No one's perfect, but that doesn't mean we don't strive towards having better characters. Because people can change with the work of the Holy Spirit.
In my situation, it just forced me to rely more on God and His Word, something I had been lacking. I had to recognise that there was a reason why people wanted to judge my behavior. However, I think that is a story for another day.
I hope and pray that all is well with you, my readers. I missed blogging, but I had issues in real life to deal with.
May God bless you. Love you all dearly.
Yours truly,
Joanna
A Minister's Daughter
Hebrews 10:24-25
Song of the Moment: "If We Are The Body" by Casting Crowns
P.S. I will be out of town for the next few weeks. Unsure if I can get a post up, but I will try. Also, I would appreciate any advice on what to expect in uni. I will be going next year, but it helps to be prepared. Thank you in advance! May God bless you greatly.
