God created us in His image. We are like Him in many ways. We are triune beings, body mind and spirit, just as He is a triune God, The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. He created us to be social beings, to love Him, and to love one another.
I love alone time with God, and it is difficult for me to worship with others. I would much rather stick my head in the Bible and about 10 reference books than to sit in a worship service in a full sanctuary. The picture here, of a man standing alone in an abandoned church, looks to me to be ideal.
Still, I know that a healthy relationship with my Creator necessitates a healthy relationship others. Like a cross, our life has both vertical and horizontal paths. The life of a healthy being is like a stool that stands firmly on three legs: our relationship with God, family, and our fellow man.
So, I try. I go to church and worship, sometimes arriving late and sneaking out early, in hope of avoiding others, in hope of not having to speak. I love the people in my church, the few I know. Am I Shy? Antisocial? A loner? I don’t know. Call it what you will. I know others feel the same way I do. I grew up in church. I love it. But, I often feel very uncomfortable speaking to people. Still, I try.
Wesley was right. The New Testament Church is about loving others, helping others, supporting others, relying on others, touching the lives of others. Worship is about loving and praising God. Church is about loving and helping others.
God, help me to relate to others the way you intended.
Leave a Reply