At church we have a "connect center" that helps get people connected to serve God and help grow His Kingdom. While serving and growing is all about God, there are byproducts of being connected that are great blessings to us. We create lifelong relationships. Most of my parents and my closest friends have come from church. I love the fellowship and especially after 2020 I don't think I take it for granted. I need these people to do life with me and help me stay on my faith journey through encouragement.
I think about how important “likes” are on social media to people. You know why? Their heart longs for connections with friends. No matter how many thumbs up or hearts you get it will never be enough to satisfy your craving. During life’s busyness or COVID, many friendships have become online, facetime, phone calls but not in person. God designed us for friendships in person. We need to have friends that we can do life with. I am not referring to COVID times.
Jesus also had face-to-face connections, too. He surrounded Himself with close friends like John, Peter, James and the other disciples. He was friends with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. He enjoyed talking and sharing meals with people. Through His example, we see how these relationships help satisfy our craving for connections.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." God can do so much more when we are in community than when we try to do things alone. Our future, in community, can look totally different than if we stay alone.
We need to be encouraged by others and we need to encourage others. This is an important part of corporate worship. God needs us all! Hebrews 10: 24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” As our church says, "Let’s connect hearts to Christ and one another!"
I have had several people get in touch with me about finding a church. If you live in the area and are looking for a church where the Holy Spirit is, I would love to save you a seat!! You already have a friend there!