Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1Peter 5:8-9)
In the wild,
the animals that are devoured by the enemy most often are the ones who stray
from the others. They are alone, weak, and vulnerable. A hungry lion sees them
as an opportunity.
Likewise, as
Christians we must keep in mind our enemy the devil. He is like that lion
seeking whom he may devour. It is for this reason that our fellowship with one
another is so vital. The moment we begin to believe that coming together as the
unified body of Christ in unimportant, the devil smiles.
Fellowship is
vital for several reasons. First, it reminds us that we are not alone. Anytime
one feels like they are alone in a cause, they quickly become overwhelmed with
discouragement and run the risk of wanting to quit.
We remember
Elijah who became discouraged because he thought he was the only one left who
was striving to please God. He said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord
God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn
down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and
they seek to take my life.” (1Kings 19:14).
The Lord responded, “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel,
all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed
him.” (vs. 18).
Just being
together reminds each of us that we are not alone in the Christian life. We
have one another lean on in time of need. This is what keeps us motivated when
life becomes difficult. When one tries to face the adversities of life on his
own, the lion salivates.
Second,
fellowship is vital because we build one another up. The Hebrew writer stated, “And
let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but
exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
(Hebrews 10:24-25)
The Day of the
Lord is drawing closer every moment. Therefore, it is imperative that we
maintain our focus on the road ahead that leads to everlasting life. Nothing
helps us quite like the strength we receive when we come together as the family
of God. As we prepare for this New Year to come, let us have as one of our
goals, to fellowship and strengthen one another as often as we can.
God Bless each
of you,
Eric Hicks
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