There is a misconception among some Christians that Christian fellowship isn’t necessary—that once a person has accepted Christ, the rest—attending church, going to Bible study, being part of a small life group, or spending time with Christian friends—is optional. Some may even argue that their relationship is personal and that they get more out of just communing with God alone or walking in nature. While none of the above activities are mandatory for salvation, what is true is that Christian fellowship is needed for a healthy Christian life.
For example, take fire. Any good scout knows about the fire triangle, the three elements needed to create fire: heat, fuel, and oxygen (or any oxidizing agent). Remove any of the three and the fire ceases to exist. In addition, take an ember away from the others, and though it might glow for a while, it will eventually die.
Likewise, a healthy Christian life has three components: the individual, God’s Word, and Christian fellowship. Though a Christian will not cease to be a Christian because they don’t read their Bible, go to church, or spend time with Christian friends, doing each of these things is important, for if a Christian remains in isolation, eventually they would spiritually die.
It is also important to note that fellowship is not just getting together for a potluck or sitting with others listening to a sermon. True fellowship means getting involved in each other’s lives. It allows for honesty, openness, and forgiveness. It provides strength, support, and accountability.
I know some people have been hurt by a church or by fellow Christians and so are reluctant to wade into those waters again. But more often than not, those who opt out of Christian fellowship are those who don’t want to be open, honest, or accountable because that would be uncomfortable. Pardon the play on words, but they don’t want to feel the heat . . . the heat that is necessary for the flame of faith to burn.
I think it was best said by Canadian pastor and speaker Carey Nieuwhof: “The only one who wants us to believe we are better off alone is our enemy.”
For example, take fire. Any good scout knows about the fire triangle, the three elements needed to create fire: heat, fuel, and oxygen (or any oxidizing agent). Remove any of the three and the fire ceases to exist. In addition, take an ember away from the others, and though it might glow for a while, it will eventually die.
Likewise, a healthy Christian life has three components: the individual, God’s Word, and Christian fellowship. Though a Christian will not cease to be a Christian because they don’t read their Bible, go to church, or spend time with Christian friends, doing each of these things is important, for if a Christian remains in isolation, eventually they would spiritually die.
It is also important to note that fellowship is not just getting together for a potluck or sitting with others listening to a sermon. True fellowship means getting involved in each other’s lives. It allows for honesty, openness, and forgiveness. It provides strength, support, and accountability.
I know some people have been hurt by a church or by fellow Christians and so are reluctant to wade into those waters again. But more often than not, those who opt out of Christian fellowship are those who don’t want to be open, honest, or accountable because that would be uncomfortable. Pardon the play on words, but they don’t want to feel the heat . . . the heat that is necessary for the flame of faith to burn.
I think it was best said by Canadian pastor and speaker Carey Nieuwhof: “The only one who wants us to believe we are better off alone is our enemy.”
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