No Man is an Island

No man is an island. That’s the start of a famous poem by English poet and priest, John Donne. As he laid dying in his bed and hearing the church bells toll for funeral after funeral, knowing his own death was soon to come, he wrote these famous words, “No man is an island, entire to himself.”  It was recently turned into a Christian song by Tenth Avenue North.

We are created by God for relationships, first and foremost with Him, and then with others. We were not created to be solitary beings. We are not islands unto ourselves. So many letters in the New Testament, especially those written by the Apostle Paul, uses the phrase “one another” when exhorting it’s readers. Paul used this phrase multiple times in his letters to the Romans and to the Corinthians.

Paul, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, directs believers to love one another, pray for one another, live in harmony with one another, encourage one another, and welcome one another. There are many more that could be listed that I’ll let you look up on your own. Are we doing these things or are we escaping to our own little world thinking we will be okay without interaction with anyone else?

Do we think that we can still grow in Christ and not attend church?  The writer of Hebrews says “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” - Hebrews 10:24-25. We are instructed not to neglect meeting together. It is important to gather with like-minded individuals to worship together in Spirit and in Truth.

Even Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." - Matthew 18:20. If you don’t have a church family, find one!  Make sure they are preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not just fanciful sayings.

Have a great day and God bless.