Hebrews 10 (The Message) 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Followers of Christ understand they have a stake in the faith life of the people around them. The Bible teaches us that if one follower suffers, we all suffer. Consequently, if one experiences a breakthrough of faith, we can all celebrate. There comes a point in your faith life where you decide between showing up and shoring up. When you show up, you are a consumer. There’s nothing wrong with consumerism as long as it doesn’t govern your whole life. If you’re showing up you’re probably asking the question, “What did I get out of worship this week?” That’s a fundamentally important question.
Shoring up takes faith to the next level. Not only do you ask what value you’ve received, but “what value have I added to the life of the people worshipping around me?” This turn in your faith life means you’ve become part of what God is doing through the church. You’re shoring up the life of a person who is becoming a faith friend rather than a stranger.
Next Sunday, take the time to meet the people sitting next to you in worship. Get to know their names. The following Sunday ask about their week. The next time you see them ask how you can be praying for them. Over time, you will become faith friends. You may go to lunch together after worship or take a Bible study together.
Moving from the crowd that shows up to the congregation that shores up is not simple. It requires some risk on your part.
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