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THEME FOR SEPTEMBER IS SKIP ROPE, NOT CHURCH!

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. —1 Corinthians 12:27-31

 We know that skipping rope is an exercise with health and fitness benefits. Just as being physically fit wards off diseases and physical disfunction, not going to church has its malign consequences. When we miss worship, we likely are focused on worldly things. Worship puts the focus on God and honors Him. When we miss church, we are missing the fellowship of our community in which we encourage each other and learn to be living examples of what Christ wants us to be. When we don’t go to church, we miss the sense of fulfillment that comes with carrying out our purpose as a member of the Body of Christ. As the Bible verse reminds us, the Body of Christ suffers when its members are not involved in the mission of the church.

“To gather with God’s people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer.” – Martin Luther

How does one stay fit spiritually? The Bible states that there are spiritual health benefits from going to church. One benefit is guidance. If we go to Sunday School and the worship service, we are sure to receive some informed guidance and wise counseling. Another benefit is being with like-minded Christians and there communing with the Father and the Son.

“Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” —Dwight L. Moody

Though worshiping God alone is good, worshipping corporately promotes Christian unity. In worshipping corporately, we experience unity but also guidance and encouragement from our fellow Christians.

So, stay fit physically and spiritually: Skip rope, not church.