We’ve just finished a four-part series on spiritual disciplines that are important to practice in silence and solitude (reading the Bible, prayer, worship and journaling). Equally important are four spiritual disciplines that take place in community. Christianity is not a “Lone Ranger” religion. Our faith stems from Judaism, and whether Jewish (Sabbath temple meetings) or Christian (Sunday church services), family and community are of paramount importance. Being involved in the lives of other believers through a local church isn’t just a good idea, it’s part of God’s plan for his children. Hebrews 10.24-25 tells us:

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.

The emphasis in the verse above, is of course, mine but only to make clear the point that attending church and making friends and disciples there is an important part of the Christian life and part of God’s plan. When we forgo church we forgo an important connection point for God to work in our lives. Those new to trusting in Jesus will, of course, learn of Jesus – the foundation of our faith – but that isn’t all church is about. I’ve heard it frequently from supposedly mature believer’s, that they don’t learn anything at church any longer, or that they are not being “fed”, as if that were its only purpose. Being involved in the lives of other believers, encouraging them, listening to their problems and helping them find Biblical solutions, using our spiritual gifts for the benefit of all, takes place at church as well. There is something for every believer, young or old in the faith, in the church community.

Worship and Praise

Another of the great benefits of church is corporate worship and praise of God. As beautiful as personal worship is, that beauty is amplified when our voice joins with others in praise to our Lord. There are similarities, neither is a time to worry about how well we sing, or how loud, or how well we recite the liturgy, or read aloud from the Bible. It isn’t a time to be concerned about how well we are dressed, or the talent of the worship team or choir. This is a time to focus on God for one simple reason: He deserves it.

Our tendency is to praise God when everything in our life is going well, or when we receive a big answer to prayer. Certainly such times are appropriate ones to celebrate with God, but if that is the only time we worship and praise him we misunderstand what this is all about. God is deserving of our praise and worship when we don’t get that promotion, when our spouse leaves us for another, when we get those test results back and they confirm our worst fears. When we praise the Lord only when good things happen to us we treat God like a dog, encouraging him and praising him only so he will give us what we want next time we need him. We must know and remember that God deserves our praise and worship for who he is, not for what he does or doesn’t allow into our lives.

Whether we are elated or depressed, in good health or pain and suffering, with family or without, in good company or experiencing loss there is no better way to celebrate God than in community.