One Mindedness

People are made to need each other. We see this from the very beginning of time. Everything was good at creation save one thing; God said, “it is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18, NASB throughout). Thus, God created woman, someone who could fill man’s needs perfectly. God gave humans an inherent need for comradery and community with other people. 

Christians are not exempt from this truth. We need each other. This, in part, is why God set up His kingdom by way of the church. God’s church is a group of people who are united under one banner: Christ. Our bond reaches deeper than distance or family ties. We are brought together by the blood of Christ for an eternal purpose, making disciples of our Lord. The church must be a community if we are to fulfill Christ’s mission. 

Christian togetherness is under attack in today’s world. The rise of internet church services, deceptions from Satan, and the hero mentality (which says I can do it on my own) has caused the church to drift farther apart rather than closer together. The busyness of life and a change in priorities has left Christians living their faith on their own, absent from the body. This simply should not be. 

In Acts 2, we discover the beginning of Christianity. After the initial 3,000 converts in response to Peter’s sermon, we find details regarding what the church did thereafter (verses 42-47). Part of what impacted non-believers was the community of Christians. Believers had all things in common: they sold their possessions to take care of needs, worshiped as one, and ate in each other’s homes. They lived life together. As a result, they had the respect of all, and the Lord continually added people who were being saved. 

What brought people in the door to hear the gospel from the apostles? The community of the church. The unity of believers is meant to be an example, one that shines the light of Christ among the nations. We cannot be the beacon of the gospel we are called to be if we isolate ourselves. Too often we are picky about which Sundays we spend with God’s people. We willingly neglect gathering and serving with other Christians. We refuse to make the most of every opportunity to develop in the faith and assist others in growth as well. Our conviction about gathering and participating must change for the better. 

There is truth in the phrase, “You get out what you put in.” Perhaps church services are not structured in a way that meets your every need. Maybe there are inadequate avenues for the utilization of people’s abilities. Churches are not perfect, but they are made up of people who are saved by grace. If we want things to improve and become the picture of Acts 2, then we need to gather and do ministry together. How are churches supposed to grow into a Christlike community if Christians refuse to participate in conjunction with one another? 

What are some intentional steps we can take in creating community in our local congregations? Hebrews 10:19-25 gives us a good starting place. The beginning of Hebrews 10 completes the explanation of how much better a sacrifice and covenant we have in Jesus. His one sacrifice paid for all sin for all time. Therefore, in verses 19-22, we have confidence to live a new way, by faith in Jesus. Christians are enabled to worship God in a new, better, and more intimate way than ever before. We have boldness before God because of the sacrifice of Jesus done in His flesh. In other words, believers are saved and joined to worship and serve together by faith in Jesus. 

A good follow-up question is, “What does this new way look like?” The writer of Hebrews answers that inquiry in verses 23-25: 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 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. 

Endure (v. 23) 

Life grows wearisome. Temptations loom around every corner. Struggles at work and home weigh down on us. The stress of hardships we see our loved ones going through can cause us to question God. Remember, we can draw near to God because of our cleansing in Christ. We need to bring that truth to mind when we gather. 

Hold fast and cling to your confession of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of the Living God. The Lord has promised good for us. “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). Remind each other of God’s faithfulness and endure this life together. 

Evoke (v. 24) 

The word consider in Hebrews 10:24 means “to contemplate.” We must intentionally look for an opportunity to “stir up” (provoke) others for actions of love and goodness. Be a source of inspiration and look for ways to light a fire under other Christians. Lead by example, go and do good to others in the church and out of it. Perhaps you can identify one person you want to arouse to do good, loving action and invite them to join you in practicing loving service (Galatians 5:13, 6:9-10). 

Engage (v. 25a) 

It seems so simple, “Do not forsake assembling together.” Yet, we make many excuses for skipping out. Take an active role in joining with other believers whenever possible. Of course, Sunday services are a key event to assemble with other saints. However, do not have a checklist mentality, saying, “I’ve joined with the brethren, I’ve done my duty.” Do not grow weary in doing good. Go the extra mile and meet with other Christians whenever possible throughout the week, whether it is in a prescribed church meeting or event or inviting people over for fellowship. Take advantage of every opportunity to participate together. Only then will the local church be a true community of believers. 

Encourage (v. 25b) 

In the pressures and difficulties of life, we need encouragement. We can be uplifting to others as we collectively look forward to the day of Jesus’s return. Until then, take heart. Gather with the intention of encouraging someone. It is interesting to see the ripple effect of encouraging one person. Seek to lift people up at Sunday services, with a card or text or call during the week, and when visiting with other believers. 

The church is meant to be a community of believers. Join together as often as possible for the growth and impact of the Lord’s church.