Several years ago I wrote a discipleship study called “The Seven Spiritual Habits of a Maturing Messianic Jewish Faith.” The material covers basic spiritual disciplines which must be practiced in order for a follower of Messiah to grow in personal relationship with G-d. Two relate to involvement with other believers within community. I believe the Scriptures teach that the most important activity for a growing believer is their personal involvement with other believers in a local congregation! Unfortunately, too many followers of Messiah today discount or ignore this, to their spiritual peril.
The first one is Congregational Integration. Just showing up for services is insufficient for spiritual maturity. We must be committed to our community: its purpose, programs and people. Having only a superficial connection to a congregation will never allow someone to become a unified and useful part of the community; they will not be able to be raised up to areas of service, responsibility and leadership. Remember that G-d calls us to be actively connected to our congregations so we can be fully useful for service!
The second is Commitment to Service. An integrated member of a congregation is a committed servant for others within that congregation. This happens naturally in the life of a spiritually maturing believer who recognizes their spiritual gifting as a responsibility to serve. The list of service opportunities within a congregation is never ending, especially if a congregation is committed to reaching out to those who are not yet followers of the Messiah. Remember that G-d expects us to serve him through committed service within and through our congregational community!
It’s easy to get discouraged and cynical about congregational life. People make it hard sometimes. Yet, Messiah taught, “Love one another.” Let’s remember that love is best developed in community.
Forward for Messiah,
Rabbi
Kirk Gliebe
