Strength in Numbers
Feeling lacking in support from your fellow Christians lately? Talk to one of our mentors, online, free & confidential
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Cañon City, Colorado was completed in 1929 at a cost of $350,000. (The relative cost today would be approximately $15 million dollars.) The bridge spans 1,260 feet and stands 150 feet above the ground below.
As the bridge just passed it’s 100 year anniversary, it seems to be holding up quite well: There are no signs of it collapsing. The bridge is held together by 2,100 strands of galvanized wire. Individually, each wire could easily be snapped. But working together in tandem with each other, they are able to support the entire weight of the bridge, plus much more. This allows the bridge to remain a significant tourist attraction for hundreds of tourists every year, even though it is nearly a century old.
By working together, we can achieve much more than we can on our own. The author of Hebrews exhorts us to “not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). In Acts we read about the early church, and how they would meet together in order to encourage each other (Acts 2:42-48).
This often will be difficult, since our churches are sadly sometimes filled with strife and argument instead of encouragement and fellowship. This is why Paul teaches us to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
Our work with our fellow Christians is too important to ignore. We as frail individuals are like thin strands of wire: Weak individually, but when mutually supporting one another, enabled to do so and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are strong.
Question: Do you sometimes find it uncomfortable when meeting with other believers? Why or why not?
Thank you both for such encouragement and insight. I think the church at large has made a lot of mistakes in the past but God is raising up a new generation of individuals who are a corporate of our heavenly Father’s love on this earth.
It is unfathomable for us to fully comprehend the incredible responsibility and tremendous privilege of being the body of Christ. We are literally the hands and feet of Christ and visible representation of Jesus on the earth!
Wow.. I just want to say i liked everyones comments , and I’m going to copy Joels and use it ( thank you ) … this is an amazing website AMAZING.. I just found it on Sunday … I really appreciate the work you guys are doing on here.. keep up the good work… ALL GLORY TO GOD…AMEN
Thanks for that great insightful Joel! I have to say I agree with you completely. The difference maker in those I’ve felt were fully immersed in the Lord and the general church population, is their willingness to befriend others. Not just the Sunday morning handshake or cursory wave, but an “invitation”! In fact one of my old church role models is exactly like this.
Perhaps by striving to be more like these relationship builders is what I should be doing. Not worrying so much about myself and the hurts that I’ve experienced, but what I can do to help other people avoid it.
Thanks for your comments, they’re definitely appreciated!
My heart goes out to you J.White. It is so sad to see people hurt by those who are associated with God. I know so many people who are disillusioned with God and His true church because of people who misrepresent Him! We can only forgive such individuals and pray that God would change them.
I used to be quite cynical about the “church” but I have learned that it is impossible to live a victorious and healthy Christian life without living in dynamic relationship with other believers. Imagine trying to live with your head detached from your body? It would be impossible to survive! In the exact same way, it is impossible for us to survive as Christians without being connected with Christ and other believers.
Beyond merely “going to Church” we need to ensure we are developing strong dynamic relationships with other believers. In my life I have tried to develop relationships with individuals who are more mature than I am. This has enabled me to grow tremendously and now God is using me to mentor many in my church and through this online ministry. I would encourage everyone reading this post to try to develop a relationship with at least two spiritual mentors in your life. When we plant ourselves in relationship with others, we grow exponentially.
My experiences with the church have been deeply personal to my family and harmful once upon a time.
My wife and I made ou rliving working through a church organization as a calling. A great ministry to a young in life and in faith couple. Ultimately, we were betrayed by someone from our church family throught he church organuization we worked for through some act of jealousy. This made it very difficult for us to open oursleves up to the possibility of it happening again.
As the leader of my now growing family, through fellowship (outside of church) I’ve learned that it my responsiblity to get my family back to a place where we can live in faith within a church community and rely on God for our comfort and not necessarily the congregation. They will go where I lead them, I just have to have the courage to lead them where God wants me to.
It’s a work in progress as we still haven’t found a church home. But I’m praying about it and we’ll get there.
I have been through a divorce (sadly) and I was never treated the same or felt loved at that church after the conclusion of the divorce. I don’t blame the people they felt uncomfortable towards me, which caused me to leave the church eventually. That’s kept me uncomfortable, although I find certain men of God that I can trust to mentor me.
sounds to me like you already know the answer your just looking for conformation.. Do we go to church for the spiritual experience or for spiritual growth… and I know feeling those things can be important, but make your deciding factor on ” are they following scripture properly?” not how we feel… we can be lead away by our feelings and desire.. its not always what we want or feel, but what God wants us to do.. and also, what if that church is struggling in that area, maybe there’s others that feel the same way.. what could we do to help in Gods work and change that …
I attended church at a small country Bapist Churh when I was a child until I was in my teens. They set the stage for my beliefs and how I looked at what a church family should be. I have since tried to go back now that I have given my life to God, but everything has changed. The pastor and his wife I so loved, are both gone on to a better place. A lot of the congregation has changed, which is to be expected, but there just isn’t the same feeling of love and acceptance that I use to know. I have looked for that in several other churches as well, but to my dismay, I can’t find anywhere I belong!
I have given up and rely completely on my Bible reading plan, daily devotionals, and prayer time (by myself and with spouse) to suffice. I figure if God wants me in Church he will point me in the direction of the one he wants me to attend.
My question for you I guess, is am I wrong in doing what I have decided to do? I love God with all my heart, and I crave to be around other Christian believers, but I want to feel loved and accepted where I decide to put my roots down. Your input would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you and God bless!!!