Why is it is that we have a hard time reading the instruction manual for things? The other day, I was trying to complete a task at work eventually I succumbed to frustration after my trial and error approach to solving the problem failed. I had struggled for a long time never finding the solution. Doing a trial and error approach, I zoomed in on every manner of possible fixes running circles around myself. Finally giving into frustration and failure, I decided to read the instruction manual. Three minutes later I had the solution.

Why is it that our last resort is to read the instructions? If I had started with the instructions I would have saved myself lots of work pouring over the problem. I came to the end of myself, the end of my knowledge and gave up any hope of solving the problem. This made me finally stop trying and start relying on the author of this process. Once that happened, I had success!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let 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” ( Hebrews 10:24-25 )

Jesus brings together men, women and children from all walks of life. All over the world there is a fellowship of believers that transcends time and distance having the commonality of Christ. The Church, His body of believers, is a truly marvelous thing and as such we have the responsibility to care for and stimulate one another toward love and good deeds by reminding ourselves of the amazing things Christ has done for us.

We do this by assembling with the saints. Not merely going to a church building, not just showing up once a week to check it off our list. But rather meeting with other like-minded believers, regularly, is the key to spiritual growth. When we come to share our lives and talk about the Lord, excitement builds and encouragement spills over onto one another. The effects are contagious.

The early Church understood this; the book of Acts is filled with many accounts where believers would gather daily giving themselves to prayer, breaking of bread and the disciples’ teaching. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” ( Acts 2:42-47 ).

As you can see, a lot of things happened as a result. The assembly of believers had unity among each other, they saw many wonders and miracles, they continually sold their possessions so they would have the means to give when a need arose and their hearts were merry. They praised God continually because they were constantly reminded of what He had done for them. As a result the world saw what was happening and wanted it. People came running to the Lord to accept His wonderful gift of salvation as a result of the fellowship of believers and the things that happened when they would meet.

This is what should happen when the saints get together. This is why it is important for us to come, stir each other up and encourage one another continually; growing through the Word and prayer. We do not have to go through life alone; we have millions of brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Our family is based in the finished work of Christ so it makes sense that we should continually remind ourselves of these truths. The time of Christ’s return is approaching, so it is time for the Church to be the Church and to be prepared, encouraged and built up in love and unity. Returning to the example set by the early church. Not forgetting to assemble but doing so readily to encourage each other and grow in the knowledge of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.