A cord of 3 strands

https://odb.org/2024/04/22/strength-in-numbers

A human being may live alone in a Robinson Crusoe context or in isolation despite being amongst a sea of people, but it is a sad and depressing situation. Without family, friends, and loved ones, we may end up immersing ourselves in a make-believe world of television, computer games, or other worse indulgences.

Similarly, a Christian may also worship alone in isolation whether through online access of a worship service or just singular solo worship by himself with God. But it is unhealthy as there is no social interaction with other believers. In addition, a believer worshipping solo in silo is not serving God in any context, and we know that service and ministry are part and parcel of Christian life. Thus, a Christian in silo misses out on both fellowship and service.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 teaches that though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Ancient wisdom teaches that there is strength in numbers. That is why a church is not so much a place of worship but more a congregation of believers. It is more a community than a building. It is a community whose main goal and purpose is to ensure that everyone stays on the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life. We want to make sure that as Jesus has purchased us the ticket, we don’t disembark from the bus prematurely or hop on another bus that will lead us to destruction. Also, in a community, certain needs may be met, and false teachings, if any, corrected.

If we have not been attending church in fellowship with warm bodies, we need to do so immediately. We can not be anti-social and worship in isolation – online services are not a good substitute. Yes, there was a time when that was necessary, but that time has long passed. The world itself has transitioned out of that and has moved on. If we have already started attending worship services on-site, continue to do so. Jesus Christ deserves all of our honour and worship. Honour God by continuing in our fellowship with one another as a community of believers – indeed, a cord of three strands is not easily broken!