Just what power lies in this word togetherness? Well it has to do with the way that God designed us. It is a natural part of our human nature that we often do things better and with more joy together rather than apart. We can expand this to many other areas of our lives. It’s much easier to pray when we have someone to pray with. If you want to go to the gym, find a regular partner and watch how your attendance increases. It’s far more fun to go to the movies or out to dinner with others rather than by yourself.
The great secret of interpersonal motivation lies in this concept of togetherness. And it is in this area that the first century church puts us to shame. A sampling of this unity zeal follows:
They prayed together; and often. “These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14).
They shared the word together. “In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.” (Acts 14:1).
They even shared their possessions. “And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:44).
They ate and rejoiced together. “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.” (Acts 2:46).
They wept together. “And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him.” (Acts 20:37).
We could go on and on. As one studies the Book of Acts he will find that these early Christians did many other things together including sang, worshipped, suffered, assembled, talked, preached, and even lived with one another.
This type of togetherness was essential to empowering these early Christians with the boldness needed to share God’s word and the courage to stand up to the persecutions they knew they would have to face. Another thing to note is that these activities were not sporadic but an almost daily occurrence.
Just how do we stack up today in these areas? Woefully short, I’m afraid. Much of our fellowship revolves around the few minutes that we greet one another after Sunday service. Our prayers are mostly private and reserved for bedtime. And sharing possessions is not practiced much at all.
If you feel that your walk with the Lord is not very brisk and you are looking for something to energize your pace, why not look to become a part of a fellowship group. This group can become the basis of providing you with witnessing companions, prayer partners, a Bible study group, shoulders to lean and cry on, friends to share your joys with, and most importantly a powerful team of motivators and encouragers in your walk with the Lord.
So much of our emotional well-being depends on this type of first century fellowship that it is amazing how we neglect to follow their example. Our heavenly Father created us to fellowship with one another. If we refuse by limiting our contacts with other Christians to a bare minimum, then not only will we be robbing ourselves of one of the greatest motivational tools in our walk with the Lord, but that special joy which only real togetherness can bring.