Daily Devotional

STAY CLOSE TO THE BODY OF CHRIST FOR SAFETY

March 20

hild of God, are you the "loner" type? Do you prefer to stay by yourself and direct your own natural and spiritual life? You can survive on some level by doing this. However, the intention of your Father is for you to fit into a "Body of Christ" if there is one available where you live. You see, when you are alone there is no one to watch for you. You live only within the narrow confines of yourself with one mind to watch for you -- your own mind. If you relate to others in the Body of Christ, you give yourself the added benefit of having someone who can look at your life objectively and offer loving, life-changing advice to you. In fact, if you have a wise pastor or close friend in the Lord, you then have the benefit of having someone care for you who has much deeper wisdom and understanding about the Lord and the things of God than you may have. It is very healthy to connect yourself to other Christians. In fact, it is a life against the scripture if you do not! You are commanded by the word of God "not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together . . ." (Hebrews 10:25) Paul in his writings promotes strongly the "unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace . . ." (Ephesians 4:3). You are to see yourself as a member of the family of God on the earth. Child of the King this message is for you! You may survive alone, separated from other Christians, but you will never move to the depths and heights of grace and fruit bearing for the Lord if you do not discover the meaning of your place in the Body of the Lord Jesus. Look at Deuteronomy 32:30 NKJV). It tells you that "one alone can chase a thousand of the enemy, but two (together) can chase ten thousand." Can you see the exponential increase when two are together in agreement? It is powerful. However, you argue, "I have had nothing but rejection and trouble with other Christians and I seem to do better if I separate myself from them and live my own life." This is a dangerous and foolish attitude. The reasoning is your idea that, "I have tried it, and it does not work." Do you understand that if you have drawn a conclusion in the matter, from that moment and with that single judgment against other Christians you will suffer the punishment of the judgment made by you and you will not be given the privilege and joy of fellowshipping with the Body around you? You have sealed your own isolation with your judgments and attitudes. Beloved, perhaps you have a problem with pride--- or even further, there is a silent rebellion and sense of superiority to other Christians with which you reason that you are better alone in your journey with Christ. Throw the pride and guarded behavior out the window, and pray to your Father that you may fit into the Body that He chooses for you. Submit, humble yourself and cooperate with others who walk with God as you walk!

Prayer

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Father, I have noticed the lonely and isolated feelings that I have been experiencing. I ask you in Jesus’ name to free me from this "loner" idea and help me to be a peace maker in the fellowship where I go. Let me desire to "hear" from you during the congregation of the saints. I will get up from where I am and go to you and to the Body of the Lord Jesus. I will submit myself to holy authority in love. Help me Father to do this in the name of Jesus, amen!