Better Together?

The race towards the Referendum vote on Scottish independence is hotting up. It seems difficult to see which way the vote will go, and at present, the "undecideds" have the power to decide how things will turn out.

Questions have been all about whether or not it would be better for Scotland to be together with the other nations in these islands, or become a separate nation. We shall see, in the next weeks, how that turns out.

But my thoughts turn, as usual, to the slogan 'Better Together', which seems to describe well the nature of Christian relationships within and between congregations and denominations. 

Because Jesus prayed, on the night before his execution, that his followers would be united, our starting point should always be that we are Better Together.
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.' (John 17.20-21)

One of the great blessings that I have enjoyed in our time in Woking is the wonderful level of cooperation and unity between the many different churches, and between their leaders. This has given us a solid basis for united action and committed prayer.

But this reaches down to how each local fellowship needs to behave. It is too easy to see that people drift away from regular involvement and attendance, and to do little to address the matter.

This was an early problem for at least one fellowship in the earliest days of the Christian church.' Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.' (Hebrews 10.24-25) We all have a part to play in helping one another to be 'Bette Together'.

I was talking with a local friend last evening, who commented that she had been absent from regular worship for too long, and that she needed to come back. I encouraged her to show up on these next few Sundays! 

And I was chatting to another local lady, who has not been a regular worshipper for more than 20 years, and sh said that she wished she hadn't drifted away! 

To every one of us, I am reminded that we are 'Better Together' and much worse apart! Let us think of ways to motivate one another!

Best wishes,

Richard