23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
--Ephesians 4:25-32
There is strength in numbers. You have to look no further than nature to have that truth confirmed. Birds and sheep travel in flocks. Geese are part of a gaggle. Many different types of prey animals live in herds. Hyenas form cackles. Even the king of the jungle, the lion, is not solitary. It exists as a part of a pride. All these natural social networks provide strength and protection.
In order to hunt more efficiently, predators generally go to great lengths to separate their prey from its group. The reason is self-evident: There is great strength in numbers.
The same thing is true for Christians. As we said on Sunday, “There is direction and protection in connection.” We need each other on this journey of faith for encouragement, prayer, accountability, and “positive provocation.” When it comes to being Church, Andy Stanley says, “Circles are greater than rows.” In other words, worshiping on Sunday in rows, all facing the front, is important, but life transformation, direction, and protection happen when we are engaged in small groups which meet in circles, facing each others--groups whose members share life together.
So, are you connected? If not I hope you will consider finding a Sunday school class or small group to which to connect. Click here to see opportunities at Advent UMC. Give it a try. Maybe give several a try to find where you best fit, but find connection with other Christians. We all need that connection. In fact, we were created for it.
Connecting,
Pastor Michael
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