By Ann Weaver.
Do you think you could get along without an eye? How about an ear? Or perhaps a hand? It’s certainly possible, but it wouldn’t be something you’d choose. In fact, I’m one hundred percent positive that you’d do anything to avoid having to lose one of the body parts I just mentioned. I’m also sure that, if you asked other parts of your body, they wouldn't want the other parts missing either. After all, if one body part is missing, the others have to work extra hard. Then, they may not be able to work to their full capacity, since they’re trying to make up for the body part that’s missing.
In 1 Corinthians 12:27, we are told, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” This is expanded upon in the earlier part of the chapter, in verses 12-26, where it talks about how we, as Christians, are members of Christ’s body. It speaks of spiritual gifts, reminding us that each of us has unique talents we can use for the glory of God.
Sadly, there are times when we may forsake the body of Christ. We get tired. We get bored. We get lazy. We stop attending church and fellowshipping with other believers. Or we still go, but we don't talk to anyone unless we have to. Or maybe, we talk to others and participate in activities, but we aren’t truly gaining anything from it. We’re simply passing the time, instead of communing in deep fellowship and discipleship in Christ.
This is not how we’re meant to live. As part of a body, we’re depriving the other members when we fail to keep up our part of fellowship. We’re also depriving ourselves of spiritual help. Not only that, the other parts of the spiritual body will end up doing the same as a physical body: working more to make up for your absence, thus being unable to fill their own places to full capacity.
As believers, it is our duty, honor, and privilege to be part of Christ’s body, the church. Indeed, we are commanded to worship and fellowship with one another. The most prominent verse about this is Hebrews 10:25, where it says, “…not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
Proverbs 27:17 tells us that as “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Christian fellowship brings mutual accountability. One reason for this accountability is to guard against falling away from the Word or sidestepping into temptation, as it speaks of in Hebrews 3:12-13: “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” This accountability could happen in many ways, such as an email to remind one another to read the Word every day, asking someone often whether they have avoided a particular temptation, or in the most severe of cases, taking steps in church discipline.
Fellowship also allows for us to worship together and pray for one another. It gives a chance to share our cares and burdens with one another, as is commanded in Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” This isn’t just a side note from Paul- it’s a command.
Additionally, fellowship creates many opportunities for discipleship. Sometimes this happens naturally, but you can also look around and find a specific spiritual mentor to help you grow in your spiritual walk. This mentor doesn’t have to be a lot older than you—in fact, they could be younger than you – but they should have a spiritual maturity that helps you grow in your personal walk with the Lord. Often, both people will grow by studying Scripture together and asking questions that help them dive deeper into the wells of Biblical knowledge and insight.
But how can we get started in meaningful Christian fellowship?
The primary way is simple: go to church and actually talk to people. Not just small talk about their week or their nice outfit. Talk about deeper things. This doesn’t mean continually talking about spiritual things, but it does mean becoming truly interested in what they say. You may not be personally interested in the topic, but you can be interested because they are. For example, they may eagerly talk about their next half-marathon, but you aren’t a very athletic person. You may not want to run in the half-marathon yourself, but you can still be interested in the topic on their behalf.
When you do end up talking about spiritual things, talk about your own spiritual walk and ask them about theirs. Don’t be concerned about it sounding as if your walk is “slow” or that you don’t measure up in some way. Because no one ever truly “measures up”, besides Jesus Himself.
If possible, volunteer in areas you wouldn’t typically consider. (Of course, ask your parents and survey whether this would be wise for you first.) Serving in different ways can help you bless others and talk to people you usually wouldn’t talk to. Something as simple as shared tasks, random common interests, or even a shared laugh can become a basis for a deeper relationship with someone. This can then lead to a wonderful friendship, accountability, and mentor in your spiritual walk.
Another great way to start out fellowship is food. Eat a meal with someone. Go out for coffee, if you can. If you’re invited to someone’s home or your family invites someone over, talk to everyone in the family. As young people, our options here may be limited, as we may not be able to schedule our own days. But even the smallest thing can help. An easy way to bond over food is to sit at a different table at a church meal and talk to the people nearest you. Somehow, food makes people want to talk and feel less guarded, and it’s a great jumping-off place for a conversation.
Most importantly, don’t wait for others to start up meaningful Christian fellowship with you. Take the initiative. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it. Some people may assume you don’t want these types of conversations, as most young people brush off these topics and would rather talk about non-spiritual things. But when you take the first step, you’ll probably find that others will also want this type of fellowship as well. And through these relationships, the Lord will be glorified as you live out your role in the body of Christ.
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