And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-26
Do you consider when you go to the movie theater that you are going to a “meeting” to encourage everyone in that theater? That you are personally going to ‘stir up’ those people with ‘love and good works’? Our ritualistic religious meetings have become mostly ‘theater events’; what we call the “Sunday morning worship service”. The ‘services’ are led by a handful of people who ‘perform’ their practiced and planned script before an audience that are either sitting passively in a theater-like setting or watching on line on a screen. Is that really ‘meeting’ with one another?
It has been shown over and over that the lowest form of effective teaching is that of a ‘lecture’. This is where an individual, usually the professor / teacher, or pastor, stands up and delivers the ‘lesson’ / sermon. This form has the least effectiveness on those listening. The highest form of teaching is when the lesson is incorporated and given to a small group where each member in the group can ask questions and discuss the lesson with everyone in the group. (*cough cough* Discipleship) And the effectiveness will be determined by the small group leader to make sure every member is allowed and encouraged to participate and share.
Many Churches / pastors today use the above scripture to ‘beat’ individuals who they consider to be ‘out of fellowship’ because they aren’t in the regular ritual of the Sunday morning service. This is basically legalism on display. It is the tradition where the rules are lifted above God and made as a god. Most of religion these days takes this stance. Whereas real relationship with God requires one thing; a deep and abiding Presence of the Holy Spirit inhabiting the individual. This Presence will guide the person into real relationship with the God-Head and with others who also are working on that same type of relationship. Sitting in a movie theater together with others will do very little for that relationship. What do you expect God to judge you for when you have to stand before Him at the end of your life? Your Sunday service attendance record? Or the matters of your heart and how much you actually obeyed what He gave you to do? Do you ever feel the need to pray with or for someone else? Do you ever feel the need to get together with others like yourself to discuss the issues that weigh on your heart? Do you have divine messages from the Spirit of God that need to be delivered to others?
Why are so many leaving the Sunday morning service? Could it be it lacks real help and the need for real relationship with God and others of like faith? Find those who are as spiritually hungry as you are and begin purposely to get together to talk and pray together. Value EACH member of the Body of Christ. Seek out what God is doing within them. Ask every one of them questions? Become challenged by them. If you do that regularly… is that ‘neglecting to meet together’ as the verse suggests?
Get out of your rituals and habits that put you into a stupor or sleep. Get into vital and vibrant relationships that challenge you personally, spiritually, and intellectually. Get into relationships where questions are met with real understanding. Get into relationships where you actually can be yourself without wearing a ‘religious’ mask. Get into relationships where deep questions are welcomed and encouraged.
“As the Day” is drawing near … can you see it? Do you feel it? Do you sense an ‘urgency’ of the time? REALLY find spiritual connections with others. Not in ‘rituals’ but in relationships. This means REAL conversations and prayer. This means REALLY listening to each other. This means REALLY listening to the Holy Spirit within you.