For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
(2 Corinthians 5:14–15)
In India, a government pensioner has to appear before a designated office once every year to prove his or her existence in order to continue receiving the pension. Sadly, some Christians treat their walk with God in a similar way. They appear in church only once a year—on Christmas Day.
Such people are Christians in name only. Nothing about their lifestyle reflects the life Jesus came to give us (ref. John 10:10). By choosing the world, they alienate themselves from the grace of God, and in doing so, they only make their lives miserable. Refuse to live that way.
The Christian life is a life of fellowship with the Father. Being in church and worshipping the Lord is an integral part of that fellowship. No wonder the Bible instructs us in Hebrews 10:25: “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.” Therefore, don’t be a Christmas Day Christian. Be a faithful child of God who never forsakes the gathering of the saints in the house of God throughout the year.
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for the gift of fellowship You have given me through Jesus Christ. I value and honour every opportunity to gather in Your house and worship You. My heart is fully committed to Your will, and my life is devoted to serving You with joy and faithfulness. I walk in love, obedience, and consistency all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.