“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.†  Matthew 5:13 (WEB)
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.       1 Peter 5:8-9 (WEB)
Here are two Scriptures that speak to me and answer why I should be surrounded, connected, to the Body of Believers.
Peter warns that our enemy, Satan, never rests from looking for an opportunity to ambush a believer. Satan knows that his time is short and he wants to cause as much damage and death as he can. He goes for the easy target. Who is an easy target? The one who believes he is OK listening to a preacher on TV and has only “me, myself, and I†as a study partner? Or the one who worships and studies with others and so has a network of prayer partners and ‘family’ who seeks god’s will together? Satan would rather fight one than an army! Sobriety and self-control has proven to flourish when those of like minds come together to witness and encourage each other. The same group watches out for each other, waving a red flag when danger approaches.
Jesus said we are salt. Salt is flavor and it is a preserver. As I was discussing the Matthew passage with my husband, he pointed out that Jesus may have been encouraging His small group of disciples that a little salt provides a big flavor and so they, though small, will bring great impact. In the Body of Believers (for good – or not) we each impact the Body and the Kingdom. We are to provide good ‘flavor’ in our walk, allowing the Father to use us where and to whom He will. We can become ‘flat’ and of no use if we do not stay connected and filled.
The problems in the established church are many. I refuse to give in to obvious opportunities to bash but instead ask God to correct in me and share what He teaches me as He sees fit. The Body of Believers where I am connected is not primarily inside a building called a church. It is a network of brothers and sisters across the world of many backgrounds. We all love the Lord and are seeking Jesus’ direction in every aspect of our lives. We share and study and pray with each other and for each other. I am blessed to know that this close group will not only lift me up but love me enough to honestly speak words of love, even to discipline. I need encouragement and discipline!
- See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers [and sisters!] to live together in unity!
- It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard,
- even Aaron’s beard; that came down on the edge of his robes;
- like the dew of Hermon, that comes down on the hills of Zion:
- for there Yahweh gives the blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133 (WEB, my addition)
