I think some of us have confused going to church (a building) with being the Church (the Body of Christ, all true believers). This comes to mind as I recall and pray for the persecuted Church in other regions of the world.

Other countries are filled with believers who can't meet for weekly Christian fellowship because of harsh persecution. Have they fallen away because they don't attend church? Of course not. These believers learn to stay intimately connected to the Head, which is Christ our Lord. Their fellowship with Him is constant and sweet, and we admire such strong faith sometimes without understanding the depths to which they're abiding in Him through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

Here in the West, we often hear, "I need to get back to church; my attitude has suffered lately." Or, "God won't bless me if I miss church on Sunday, or if I forget to tithe, or if this or that..." These attitudes seem to reflect more superstition than a true understanding of our ongoing relationship with God through Christ. Sure, we can squeeze another bible study into our crammed schedules if we want to, or make sure we're in church every time the doors open. In all these things we appear as devoted disciples, but unless we're abiding in Him to start with, it's just religious activity.

The other day I heard, "Josie stopped coming to church - better pray - she's out of fellowship with the Lord, you know." Not only did the person not have a clue as to the real reason Josie stopped coming to church, it was somewhat arrogant to make an assumption. Church attendance is not the barometer of our spiritual condition.

I'm pleading that we don't look to church gatherings, worship services, meetings, and bible studies as our life source. Our only Life Source is Jesus Christ. The person anchored in Him will continue to abide in Him, whatever we may think of their Christian activities (or lack thereof).

Something else. The Lord may call certain ones of us to a season of rest and solitude so we'll learn to fellowship more deeply with Him - away from the institution of church. Maybe we're tired of what's being done in His name, or maybe it's time to pull back. People will misjudge; that's okay. But what about the shut-ins with chronic health issues? Those who don't live near a good Christ-centered church? Those who've suffered unbearable legalism in their church and need to leave in order to heal? These folks have the opportunity to trust and abide in Christ like never before. Oh, that we wouldn't heap coals on their head by misjudging!

This is not a post to endorse lone ranger Christians; I'm empathetic to our struggles. Fellowship with other believers, of course, is a precious thing, something to enjoy as we're able and as God provides. He reminds us in His Word not to forsake the assembling together, but nowhere does He tell us that this assembling must take place in the Mega complex down the street. Let us not discount the beautiful fellowship of "two or more" gathered in His name. If nothing else, we don't have to plunge to our despair if fellowship with others is temporarily interrupted. At times like these we find that Christ alone is not cliche, but Sustenance.

Times of persecution are on the rise. It's going to get worse. Just as we know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, I hope we know that nothing can take the place of abiding in Him.

graphic provided by Heartlight.org