Beautifully Refined: Growing in Christ Day by Dayনমুনা

In my early twenties, I justified my lack of church attendance by telling myself I didn’t need to be in church to feel close to God.

While that’s true, I was missing the point: Connecting with other believers is a huge part of our faith journey and godly growth. This helps His kingdom and His people.

Not knowing or accepting this, I made excuses like, “Sunday is my only day to sleep in” or “I don’t want to go alone” or “I’m shy, and going to church hurts my inner introvert.”

As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve realized I was wrong. Going to church really is important. It’s not about the building. In fact, “church” can occur on the beach, in the woods, or in a coffee shop. It doesn’t even have to be on Sunday morning. What’s important is regularly gathering with other Christian believers to worship God and to let the fire of His Holy Spirit work through us and change us and the world beyond.

Bottom line: God wants us to join with others in His name. Our interaction with one another equips and matures us as believers in Christ. (Eph. 4:12-13). This makes us stronger as individuals and provides the added strength that comes from standing together.

So, the next time you’re having a bad morning or feeling shy or sleepy, don’t let that stop you from doing what God tells us is best for you, for others, and for Him: prioritize gathering with other Christians. Coronavirus might have brought some obstacles, but whether it’s online or in sanitized pews wearing masks, gather—and blossom in the Lord.

~Jessica Brodie