Day 17 - A Place to Belong
You are called to belong, not just believe…
Discovering our role in life as it relates to other people. Is it possible that we really don’t find out who we are and our purpose without finding out who we belong to and where we fit?
Following Christ not only means to believe, but to belong…
When we are born again, we become members of a great family. We now have new brothers and sisters that we are can demonstrate love towards, and encourage daily.
How many times have you heard that your relationship with Christ is a very personal one? Though this is true, it’s never meant to be private. The good news is that you are not meant to be alone.
An example of this is the Garden of Eden, when God created man. In this perfect sinless environment, God looked upon man and said “It is not good for man to be alone.” It is not good to try and “make it” alone and without God’s family. Once again many of us have been duped to believe that “the church” is a place that a bunch of “do-goodies” all assemble one day a week and the rest of the week they are just like everyone else… This may be true to a large degree, however it doesn’t take away the original plan. God created you to be in a family, a part of His body, and there is a place for you that no where else can satisfy… it’s not going from one relationship to another, giving yourself away to someone who just leaves you with broken promises and heartache.
God’s family, though imperfect, is still your family if you have been born again. The good news is that as we give ourselves to be an active part of God’s family, (the church), we discover that we have a role in the body that supplies other peoples needs and gives us a purpose that we simply cannot get on our own as a “lone ranger.” We discover a sense of fulfillment, joy and purpose that is unspeakable!
Though it may seem like a harsh statement, think about this for a moment… The person that says “I don’t need the church” is either arrogant or ignorant. Why? Because Christ died for the church! It is so significant He died on the cross for it. “Christ loved the church and gave his life for it” Eph. 5:25 The church is the “bride of Christ!” Can you imagine saying to Jesus “I love you, but I can’t stand your wife…”
The truth is this. You are not meant to be alone. We may have had bad experiences with “church” people. Who know’s maybe you are someone else’s bad experience… but let’s not let that keep us from discovering where we belong. Let’s forgive those who have hurt us, been bad examples, used us and said that they were Christians. We need each other to be where and who we are supposed to be. You are a gift to me as I to you. Let’s rise up to the calling, be courageous and leave our fears behind. God has a unique role for you that is only yours.