I Must Worship Him With Others

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:12.

As one or just one? I struggle with the two. Society, organizations, church—they have a structure, a system, a framework. I am not always sure how I fit into those things, or if I want to. I deeply sense the losses that inevitably occur when I relinquish my individuality to a group and tend to weigh those heavily against the gains.

Sometimes I have wondered how any worship could be better than being alone with God, acknowledging His creation, feeling gratitude, humming a song of praise, smiling with Him. I can focus, let go and, finally feel as one—with Him. But the Bible tells me that I need also to meet with others, the “body” of Christ, to worship Him, work together to His glory and encourage one another.  This, I finally understand.

As I have come to know who God is and who I am in Him, I see that He has given me, like every one of His children, strengths and also weaknesses. I share the gifts God gave me with gentleness and love. I receive others’ gifts with humility and grace. The Holy Spirit works in us, blending and uniting us into a greater whole. Any “losses” are opportunities for a sweeter gain, as I acknowledge the Source of it all—not me, not mine, but Him and His. As one, in Christ, is where my spirit fits.

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, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25