There’s another name for a “lone Christian” – a “non-Christian.”
That might sound really harsh, but the New Testament makes it crystal clear that when we are “saved” by Christ, putting our faith in Christ, we are, in the same breath, adopted into the family of God (Eph. 2:19). We also become members of the Body of Christ. A body part that is cut off from the body is no longer part of the body and quickly becomes lifeless, while also hurting the body itself (1 Cor. 12:12-27). Having an 18-month old daughter, I vividly remember how utterly dependent on us our baby girl was when she was firstborn. A newborn is helpless; they need physical assistance, but most importantly, they need emotional nurturing from loving parents. So, how much more do you think those that are “born again” need spiritual support and nurturing from their community?
When a child gets older, there is a certain level of independence that is expected in order for them to mature through various stages of life in healthy ways. A Four-month-old breastfeeding is expected. A Forty-year-old breastfeeding is sad and disturbing. In the same way, believers must eventually learn to pray, study and pursue God for themselves in order to mature spiritually. However, in the Body of Christ, one’s maturity and independence are never a reason to abandon community. Rather, it means that they are now given more responsibility in the household of faith, especially with respect to the younger, not-yet-mature believers. In fact, the writer of Hebrews rebukes these long-time Christians, who have only grown in their dullness of hearing. For by this time, they ought to have become examples and teachers, discipling the next generation. Instead, they are like forty-year-olds still nursing on their mother’s milk, unskilled in the word of righteousness and unable to discern God’s will (Hebrews 5:11-14).
Are you accountable and growing in Christ through consistent discipleship relationships or have you basically become a lone Christian?
Have you become complacent in your journey of faith or are you actively seeking to serve and build up the body of Christ with your time and gifts?
What steps do you need to take TODAY to engage meaningfully with your spiritual family beyond the Sunday Gathering?
