Both One of the Funniest and Worst Games on Sundays at Church

I have a very dear friend who has told me about a game that she used to play with another friend whenever she would go to church on Sundays. I would say it is both one of the funniest and worst games on Sundays at church. You may be wondering, What is the game? Great question. They would challenge each other to see how few people that each one could talk to or engage with at church. They were both bashful and not “people” persons. They do not necessary enjoy much engagement with others.

Funny? Absolutely. Imagine going to church to see how many people you cannot talk or engage with. The person with the fewest individuals with interaction won.

Worst? Absolutely. Engagement with other people who love Jesus is critical. Not only do we need engagement personally, but others also need us.

Why You Need Others

You need people to speak into your life. Individuals who are willing to give a word of encouragement, ask a question of concern, provide insight where needed, and share their experience of God Himself. Possibly, it is something funny or a prayer request shared. Conversation between people who love Jesus. In these conversations and engagement, we get the opportunity to experience the blessing of the “one another” ministry of others to us. We need the extra pair of eyes, the encouragement provided, and the benefits of community. When we stub out toes, it is good to have those around us who can help pick us up.

Why Others Need You

People need you as well. You can help others live life with joy and endurance (Ecclesiastes 3:22-4:12). You can help them get wiser (Proverbs 13:20). In the process of interaction, you can share the love of Jesus and be with others (Proverbs 17:17). Along the way, we can help mold each other (Proverbs 27:17), provide comfort and edify us (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and help identify sin and protect us (Hebrews 3:12-13;
cf. Prov 1:10-19).

In addition, people need you to help them do good deeds and/or do better (Hebrews 10:24). Together, we help each other spiritually (James 5:16-20). Plus, together we practice all the one-anothers in the Bible.

So much more could be added to this list. Bottom line: people need our voices.

Big Picture

Thinking about why it is important for us to take full advantage of the body of Christ as local churches meet every Sunday, I am reminded of these two verses in Ephesians 4.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Notice how Paul emphasizes “whole body,” “every joint,” “each part,” and the “body.” All words that imply every person does his or her part.

As you head off to your church of choice today, do not forget both the benefits and necessity of you engaging others. Try not to play one of the funniest and worst games of disengagement. :)