Too many in the brotherhood have forgotten the vital necessity of simply “showing up to everything!”
“Considering how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” — while being anywhere else but church — is a waste of time, if indeed it has ever been done.
If we are not actively involved in the spiritual welfare of our brethren during our regular meeting times, it is doubtful that we are involved in the spiritual welfare of anyone (including ourselves) at any other time.
Now, you may be thinking: “John, brethren who don’t show up for church are unlikely to ever read this.” And you may be right. But despite the poor resolve of others, our strong resolve to “not forsake the assembling together of the church” matters. Showing up directly engages us in God’s work. We are mutually encouraged, taught, comforted, inspired, and convicted as one body; “We are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).
It is a privilege to know that there are people who are presently looking to you and me to meet their spiritual needs. Greater still is when this privilege turns to glory. Not our glory, but the glory of God in salvation and growth in Christ Jesus.
Whether your “sowing and watering” is specifically directed toward a particular soul, or part of the powerful godly influence that God uses in the lives of many, all that matters is that you “proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
“Showing up” as the brotherhood of believers brings solidarity, comfort, glory and joy:
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it (1 Corinthians 12:26).
John Staiger
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