I never thought I’d start a devotional by quoting a Barbara Streisand song, but here goes: “People… people who need people.” 

Yup, it’s true. Or, in the words of poet John Donne: “No man [or woman] is and island.” 

Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “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…”

Not giving up meeting together.

The phrasing in the original Greek is stronger than it comes across in English. We should ‘not abandon’ doing so—not only should we not abandon the gatherings themselves, but we should not abandon the community of faith! 

In our highly individualistic world, this is easy to do. It’s convenient to make faith about ‘me and Jesus’ and turn a blind eye to what the Bible says about journeying with other believers in the church God established.

As I say this, I should point out that there are times when gatherings are limited—like in a pandemic. I should also point out that there are times when other factors preclude some from gathering, like illness or mobility challenges. But when and where we are able, we should not forsake the community. 

1 Corinthians 12 speaks of the church as the “body of Christ.” Think of a body and what it can do. Now think of an ear or a left thumb totally detached, sitting there by itself.

When and where you’re able, don’t give up meeting together. It’s tempting. Community is easy to say and hard to do. But you enrich the community of faith; and the community of faith enriches you.

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Notes:

–Today’s devotional is connected to my latest sermon called “Holier with thou.” Click here to watch or listen. Or, you can listen to a podcast Bible Study which goes deeper on that same section of text here.

–“People” was written by Jule Style and Bob Merrill for the musical Funny Girl, released in 1964.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.