You have probably heard the phrase "We're all in this together," at some time in your life. Maybe it was a cheerleading parent, teacher, coach or other significant person who wanted to remind you that you were not alone...that together, you and others could accomplish so much more. God has created us to be in community, to grow and thrive in the congregation of others.
Nowhere is this more true than in the church. Indeed, one's relationship with Jesus Christ is a uniquely personal one, but that faith is often expressed in the context of corporate worship and study of God's word where other's voices are heard and arms open to embrace. The writer of Hebrews speaks of the significance of community. Yes, he does highlight the need of the individual heart to be right with God. Every soul is unique and autonomous before almighty God. But the writer speaks plainly to the need we share for encouragement and of the calling we have as brothers and sisters in Christ to help one another. He writes, "...encourage each other every day while it is 'today.'" The word that translates 'today" is a word that speaks to the importance of the moment. With emphasis he says, "do it now!"
We often use phrases like community of faith or family of faith to describe our relationship with our church. For some of us these associations feature warm remembrances of past relationships and events. For others, there are moments of dreaming, to ponder what we could be in the days to come. Past and present are important in our understanding of who we are and what we share, but there is no moment like this moment...no opportunity like today. The Lenten journey focuses our attention on the moment; to search our hearts and be drawn closer to the Savior. Perhaps it is also a moment to remember the blessing of relationship we share with others in the name of Jesus...relationships that must be important to us..."while it is still today."
My friends, let us make the most of this moment God has given us. Let us encourage and help each other, for as the writer of our text says today, "we all share in Christ..."
Jim Abernathy
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