Purify Your Mind Series (Part 1) by Joe KirbyExemplo

You Cannot Do This Alone

A friend of mine recently commented, “I think there are more Christians in the world who don’t attend a local church than those who do.” I was stunned, but he was right. I’ve lost count of the number of Christians who message me through social media to say they left the local church because it was wicked or had compromised on the teachings of the Bible. But just because we’ve had one bad meal doesn’t mean we should never eat again!

I strongly believe that, instead of preying on our pastors, we need to be praying for our pastors. When struggling with repetitive sin, you need someone to talk to—and not just anyone, but a man of God who has been providentially placed in your local area by the Lord, who can shepherd your heart towards Christ. Fellowship with God must never become singular or self-centered, and I fear too many Christians have become lone rangers. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said, “My experience in the ministry has been those who are least frequent in their church attendance are also those who are most plagued with problems in life” (Faith on Trial: Psalm 73). Just being at church changes our attitude. At church, we see those who are going through greater storms than we are, yet have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

We can all agree on one thing: Jesus calls us to serve one another, and I cannot see a better vehicle for service, for using your gifts, and for dying to self than in the local church. So, stop fighting this battle alone and enlist at your local military station—aka: the church—today.