Challenges in Everyday Christian LivingMuestra

Worshiping God Corporately

Even as we saw how we could show our love for God by spending time with Him, reading the Bible, praying, and through fasting, another challenge is worshipping God corporately. So how do we do it? It is by going to church, being part of small groups, attending prayer meetings and Bible studies. 

Time and people are the biggest challenges in corporate worship. Balancing work, life, and fellowship is a task we need to get God's wisdom on. In terms of priority, a safe guideline to follow is Monday to Friday; work takes precedence, Saturdays is usually family and Sundays would be time spent at church and rest. 

From the priority list, there seems to be no time for fellowship during the week. The challenge is to excel in our career even as we give time to God. It may mean catching up work during our lunchtime or maybe late at night. Excelling in our profession and attending midweek fellowships is one way to show our colleagues the goodness of God in our lives. The fellowship can never be an excuse, to a fault at work. It is ok to skip a fellowship because of unavoidable work once in a while. Join fellowships that will fit our work schedules. Attending church/fellowships involves giving up a part of our valuable time, missing sleep, fun activities and making ourselves uncomfortable. 

Another major challenge is interpersonal relationships. Everyone is different, and everyone is at different stages in their physical and spiritual walk in life. It takes a lot of love, grace, patience and tolerance to be part of these fellowships. Talking about relationships, remember our family is the most important - do not ignore/forget them. 

Some guidelines would be 

• Prioritize family, work, fellowships. God is above all of these.

• Respect everyone's opinion, even in disagreement. 

• Understand people without judgment.

• Allow the Holy Spirit to work in everyone.

• Stay committed to convictions and fellowships, even in conflict. 

• Join fellowships to show love for God and our fellow beings.

Our attitude in attending church is essential. Is it the expectation and motivation to be served that prompts us to go to church? Or do we enjoy meeting people and encouraging one another? 

Prayer: Lord help me to show Your love and enjoy the fellowship with the body of Christ.