I grew up in a time when going to the mall was a wonderful thing. Often, I wouldn’t even be looking for anything in particular – it was a great opportunity to meet some friends and just walk around looking at all of the stuff.
We’ve since become a society where malls are almost irrelevant. We make many of our purchases online with just a click, and they magically show up later that day or at least the next day with Prime.
However, some things are better purchased in person. Buying shoes online can be hit or miss. What looks good on the model in the ad may not feel comfortable or fit correctly. And so, we begin the process of returns until we get exactly what we were hoping for in the first place.
Today, there are many that do church “online”, and while that is a great outreach ministry, there is a power in physical presence and physical gathering that we can’t replace—of experiencing other people live and in color; of seeing them, and listening to them, and speaking face to face; of being together.
It’s the kind of thing Paul means as he prays “most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10).
It’s what John says in 3 John 14: “Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete”
The writer of Hebrews strongly encourages us to continue to meet together, encouraging each other and praying for each other as the Day approaches:
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 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 10:19-25
I want to encourage you to attend your church regularly. Worshipping and serving together as the Body of Christ is so important to our spiritual health and the encouragement it brings to others.