The basics of walking with Jesus are not just an experience or head knowledge of Him, but also about really knowing and being His friend. That we would not do, think and say nothing that would offend him, just as we would hopefully treat any loved one in our life.
When we pay close attention to the basics of Christian living, it helps us to remain close and aware of Him throughout our day. The basics are easily remembered in a simple "wheel diagram".
Prayer, the study of God, and service and fellowship/community. Having all four firmly in place assist us in making our life flow, rather than feeling like we are on a bumpy ride all the time.
Fellowship/community
Our English word, "fellowship, "translates the Greek word, "koinonia." It's from that word that "fellowship" is derived from. It means "to hold something in common". To have relationships that are dependent on more than one individual.
I've discovered that fellowship with others is only as good as our friendship and relationship with Jesus.
Our inner unity is expressed outwardly in our ability to connect in community with others. It is not just doing something together but working, serving and being together to accomplish God's will of being a blessing.
A natural result of practising the basics of prayer and studying to know and love God more is that our outward expressions of serving and community with others causes us to be "better together". We can connect as a "body" of people as we all have a part to play, not independently doing our own thing but interdependently connecting for the greater good.
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
God says we are "to stir up love and good works, not forsaking meeting together" (Hebrews 10:24-25).
However, the simple act of getting together doesn't achieve the goal of fellowship. It's how we treat each other when meeting together that is crucial.
Jesus put the power of a loving fellowship and community in a "nutshell when he said, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are My disciples if you love one another" (John 13:35)
When we "walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.."(1 John 1:7).
The basics of our walk with Jesus help us navigate this life journey we are on. When we feel confused or "out of kilter", we need only examine our spokes on the wheel and get back in balance.
Sometimes we would prefer "going it alone", or it'll get done faster if I do it myself", or even "I don't need anybody else". But there is both wisdom and power in having fellowship as a steadying strength in our lives.
The Bible sums it up pretty well. "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up? Furthermore, if two lie down, they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?… And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11)
Take some time to be united with Jesus today, and then let that unity with Him be expressed in fellowship and community with others.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I am never alone. Help me appreciate the power of community and relationship with others and deal with any negative feelings or past hurts. Please bring those people you desire to be in my life into a closer relationship with me, in Jesus Name, Amen.
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