FELLOWSHIP
Given the multiple ways we can connect with others, displays there is a general desire to associate with others. Meetup, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook are just a few of the connectors. Those with whom you fellowship makes a distinct difference in your life and theirs.
With whom do you fellowship and why?
Think about that for a moment. According to Google, fellowship is a friendly association. Ask yourself with whom do you have a friendly association? The faces that pop into your head probably could go on for a long time. The list of those whose names you remember might be endless.
The Standard
According to God’s word we are to walk circumspectly, (with attention to details to guard against surprise). We are to be wise rather than foolish. That walk is most effective when done in the spirit. We are not strong enough in our own might to successfully walk circumspectly. Our lasting, life-saving strength comes from our Lord. As we put on the whole armor of God we are able to stand.
If we want to deliberately be in proper fellowship, we are to consult what God says about fellowship. What is His standard for fellowship? Is your fellowship aligned with His standard? Does it really matter with whom we fellowship?
In 2Corinthians 6:14 it reads, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”(KJV) The word fellowship in this passage has to do with a partner, associate, comrade or companion. God’s words not mine.
Further on the topic of fellowship, the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:11, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (KJV) The word for fellowship here is a verb related to the noun listed above. So rather than associating with or partnering with something that does not produce good effects or works, instead, we are to uncover them. Reprove involves exposing the unfruitfulness.
So one may wonder what we are to do in terms of fellowship. Indeed our loving Father has provided those who seek Him and His ways of doing and being right, with information about what one is to do.
Social Intercourse
First John 1:3 reveals, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (KJV) The form of the word fellowship here means participation or social intercourse. Clearly a more profound relationship!
Think of the implications of social intercourse. Truly that would be a pleasurable fellowship. One which would result in fruit. A relationship that would draw those in the relationship close together. The time of fellowship would be highly desirable, with excitement and anticipation. A person would feel at ease and pleasantly vulnerable in such a relationship. Becoming one with God.
That longing desire that we perceive as ecstasy with a romantic partner, intensified by our Creator when we properly fellowship with the Father and His son Jesus Christ. That would appear to be reason enough for many to be in proper fellowship with the result being so beneficial for them.
In fact John informs us in verse four, of the same chapter, “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (KJV) One of the reasons John was inspired by God to record these words was to reveal a way that we would be able to have a life full of joy. Glory to God. His living word is so exquisite.
John did not stop there with his prescription for joy. Verse three where he goes on to say, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (KJV) Both instances of the word in this verse relate to social intercourse.
To increase our joy, yes to have a joyful life, we are to have fellowship with each other, God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. An intimate social intercourse with likeminded others as we become one with God the Father and His son is what we are to do.
May our lives be joyful as we fellowship around the word of God and His goodness.
Love,
Deborah
“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”