“As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” – 1 Corinthians 12:20-21

As a pastor, I often run into people around town who have been missing church for quite a while. Many times, I can see the guilt in their eyes as they make several excuses as to why they can’t attend. When I see those people, I am not angry or disappointed. More than anything I am sad for them. As the church, we may be missing the ones who are gone, but we still have one another to help, encourage, and hold each other accountable. However, the person who has stopped being a part of the church has none of those things. Many of the things that are vital to our Christian walk are only found within a local group of believers.

When we do not participate in a local church, we often think we are letting those people down, or even worse, disappointing God. That may be true, but what I want us to realize today is that failure to be an active part of a local church body means you are a single part of the body trying to function all by yourself. If we take the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12, comparing the church to a body, we know that every part is important. A body without an eye or a hand will struggle. However, imagine how difficult it is for the one who is missing. A body without a hand can still function, but a hand all alone out in the world can do nothing! Stay connected to your local church. If not for their sake, then for yours. This world is too dark, and the stakes are too high for us to try living the Christian life all alone.

Heavenly Father, give us a passion to grow in You, and in that, give us a passion to be an active part of our local congregation. Make us into the church, and the individuals you want us to be.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon