To faithfully follow Christ, we need to re-prioritize His church in our lives …

This morning, I shared on a couple social media platforms the meme posted to the right. It sounds radical, but it really isn’t. People will rearrange their lives for all sorts of things. They’ll take on extra shifts at work, spend years pursuing advanced degrees, move across the country for a new job, or travel hours to support their kids at sporting events. We make time and space for what matters most to us — but when it comes to the church, many believers balk.

For many, the church feels like an optional part of following Christ — something to attend when it’s convenient, rather than something around which to make a core part of their lives. Yet, the church is not a secondary aspect of the Christian life; it is the family of God and a crucial part of our walk with Him.

The church isn’t just a place to receive spiritual support — it’s the people we belong to and the primary fellowship through which God shapes, teaches, and sends us into the world. A life fully engaged with the church is one aligned with God’s design, and it opens the door to experiencing His transforming work in deeper and richer ways.

Some might argue that such radical commitment is impractical in today’s world. But in reality, it makes for a far better, more intentional life. When the church becomes a central aspect of life, our priorities shift in life-giving ways:

Family life: Parents model devotion to the church for their children, demonstrating that following Jesus is worth every sacrifice.

Friendships: Believers invest in one another’s lives, leading to deeper connections beyond just Sunday acquaintances.

Marriages: Couples serving together experience the joy of pursuing God’s mission side-by-side, strengthening their bond.

Work: Every task, big or small, is viewed through the lens of kingdom service, offered as worship to the King.

Making the church one of life’s greatest commitments also brings eternal benefits. It helps believers focus on what truly matters — loving God and loving others — while guarding against the constant distractions of the world. When we prioritize the church in our lives, we participate in something that will endure beyond this life. Everything else — jobs, houses, social status — will fade, but the church, as Christ’s body, will stand forever.

THE CHURCH AS GOD’S PRIMARY PLAN FOR GROWTH AND MISSION
Jesus didn’t come to earth simply to save individuals in isolation. He came to create a people — His church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus makes a bold declaration: “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” The church is not an optional add-on to our faith. It is the very thing Jesus promised to build and use to accomplish His mission.

The early Christians understood this well. Acts 2:42–47 and Acts 4:32-37 gives us a glimpse of a spiritual family so devoted to one another and to Christ that their shared life became a testimony to the world. They “… devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). As they prioritized the church, God blessed their efforts with spiritual growth and added new believers daily. This passage reminds us that commitment to a local church isn’t just about receiving; it’s about sharing in life and mission.

THE LIFE-CHANGING IMPACT OF THE CHURCH
While the Holy Spirit and the Word of God are the primary agents of transformation in our lives, the church acts as a context in which this transformation can flourish. Here’s some of the ways our commitment to the church fosters spiritual growth and fruitfulness:

Spiritual growth through teaching and accountability:
Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 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.” Regular fellowship strengthens our faith and helps us stay accountable. Through sound teaching and the loving correction of fellow believers, we are equipped to grow in holiness as the Holy Spirit works within us. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:16, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Each member of the church plays a unique role in contributing to the body of Christ. This interconnectedness emphasizes the importance of commitment to the church, as our growth and effectiveness are tied to one another and to the work of the Holy Spirit. Our commitment to one another is vital, as we help each other grow, ensuring that the body remains healthy, thriving, and filled with love.

A deep sense of belonging and support:
Life is filled with challenges, but God never intended for us to navigate them alone. The church is a family that cares for one another in times of joy and sorrow. Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” There is great joy in knowing you are part of a church family that will stand by you through every season of life, providing support and encouragement as the Holy Spirit works in and through each member.

Opportunities to serve and use your gifts:
God has given every believer gifts for the building up of His church. When we commit to a local church, we discover opportunities to serve in ways that glorify God and bless others. Ephesians 4:11-12 reminds us that God has given pastors, teachers, and other leaders “… to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” This service allows us to engage in the transformative work of the Spirit.

Being joined together for effective ministry:
Each member of the church plays a vital role in contributing to the body of Christ. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” This interconnectedness underscores the importance of our commitment to the church, as our effectiveness in ministry relies on each member utilizing their gifts. By working together in love and service, we strengthen the body and fulfill God’s purposes for His church.

A fruitful life of impact for the Kingdom:
When believers align their lives with the church, they become part of something far greater than themselves. They participate in Christ’s ongoing mission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). A life with the church as a key aspect allows the Holy Spirit to work through us, resulting in a powerful witness to the world of the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

Rearranging our lives to prioritize the church is not merely about being present on Sundays; it’s about embracing the church as our family, and our mission. It means recognizing the vital role the church plays in our spiritual growth and effectiveness as followers of Christ. When we commit to living out our faith within this fellowship, we will experience the abundant life that Jesus promised — a life filled with purpose, growth, and deep connection to God and each other.

Scotty