I planned to write on something different this week, but my friend and brother (Morumda Mbula) called me to write on "absconding church services as a wrong philosophy". I believe God desires that this too should be addressed.
It's true that one increasingly common but misguided belief among Christians today is the idea that personal spirituality can thrive in isolation, apart from the fellowship of the church. This philosophy is not only unbiblical but also spiritually dangerous. The notion that one can abscond from church services and still grow in the fullness of faith contradicts the very essence of Christian community and discipleship.
You see, God never intended for man to walk alone. Scripture says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name…” (Mtt.18:20). It's intentional that the verse mentions two or three, not one. God, in His wisdom, understands the power and necessity of community. From creation, He gave man a companion; Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs; He gave the Church the Holy Spirit; and He designed the church to be a community for every believer.
Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) firmly addresses this issue:
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
No wonder the early Church flourished through fellowship, prayer, communion and sound teaching (Acts 2:42). So, the concept of a “lone Christian” is foreign to the New Testament.Therefore, if you find yourself uncomfortable in a particular fellowship, you should earnestly seek another community of believers where you can grow. But never choose isolation. No one burns alone, a coal removed from the fire soon grows cold. When believers isolate themselves, they become vulnerable to spiritual dryness and error. The enemy thrives in isolation, but God strengthens in community.
Personal devotion, prayer, and study are important, but they are meant to complement, not replace corporate worship and fellowship. Remember, spiritual gifts are not for personal gain, but for building up the Church (Eph. 4:11–13; 1 Cor. 12).
Hence, avoiding church while claiming to grow spiritually isn’t maturity, but it’s a step toward spiritual decline. True spiritual growth thrives best in fellowship, under godly leadership, and within the body of Christ.
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© The Inspirer
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