ONE ANOTHER

"24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

From time to time, Sundays have been my least favorite day of the week. I say this even as a pastor's wife… or maybe it's from being a pastor's wife! Lol. Regardless, I have always read Hebrews 10:25 as a warning to prevent whatever terrible consequence might befall me if I, hypothetically, gave into temptation and stopped going to church. Just like folks who neglect their vegetables can succumb to a plethora of debilitating diseases, God only knows what happens to the "somes"– as is the manner of some - who forsake assembling. I have a feeling they're kissin' cousins to the Dones - those done with church, but (theoretically) not God. Dones exist for real; Google them.

At this point, let me put in a disclaimer: There certainly are extenuating circumstances (age, illness, disabilities, etc) that keep folks legitimately home. But, it's the exception not the rule; overall life conditions not convenient excuses that work for Sundays. As in all things, God knows the heart. So, back to our text...

If you look at verse 24, which is actually the beginning of Paul's thought, it isn't all about me! What a novel idea! Of course, now I start humming the song, "You're So Vain ...I bet you think this psalm is about you" – if you know that song by Carly Simon, it's my little change-up of the lyrics. Seriously, I do think sooner or later all the Psalms/Scriptures are about me in one way or another. However, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves is about one another - let us consider one another. Do you see it?! Now when you reread verse 25, you realize that idea is carried throughout with exhorting one another. It was clearly in there all the time. Beloved, it's not just about me, but about one another... us, together as the Body of Christ!

Why is this important? Because I certainly don't need church and all it entails. Me and God, we're good. (Hear the sarcasm.) This reminds me of trying to get the husband to go to the doctor. He won't do it for himself. God forbid. But, he might do it for his wife and kids. So, brethren, if that's what it takes, let's do it for the wife and the kids – for the sake of the Bride and the young ones.

Remember, it isn't all about me. Assembling together is about stirring each other to love and good works. Our absence (or presence) affects the morale of our brothers and sisters who do attend. As we faithfully and actively gather together, we create a momentum of love and good works, not to mention exhortation and expectation in Him. What about prophetic momentum?! I like to think of it as a pinball machine (remember those?) – the more bouncing points the better - more facets of the Lord to be heard and revealed; greater acceleration, delight, and glory in the Holy Ghost.

Which means, I certainly do need church! ...and so much the more as the Day approaches.

  - Elese