It Is Not Just You!

The church is not a collection of individuals attending the same meetings. We are one body, and God has given every member a responsibility toward the whole.

Being part of a church requires us to look beyond ourselves. The Christian life was never designed to be lived with our eyes fixed only on our own growth, needs, and struggles.

A healthy church has no spectators. We are called to encourage, serve, pray, bear with, correct, and care for one another. Sometimes this will cost us our comfort. Sometimes loving the church means noticing the person struggling when we would rather mind our own business. Sometimes it will mean being patient with someone difficult. We are not merely called to attend church; we are called to belong to one another.

But our responsibility does not mean the church depends on us. Paul ends this passage by pointing us to God: “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thess. 5:24). We labour, but God sanctifies. We serve, but God gives growth. We encourage, but God transforms hearts.

So, are you being a good churchman? Are you contributing to the body's health, or only asking what the church can give you?

Love the church selflessly. Pray for her. Serve her. Encourage her. Be patient with her people. As you do, trust the God who faithfully sanctifies and preserves His church until Christ returns.