I often think back many years to the words of pastor Dennis Bradley of the Evanston Baptist Church. In a sermon about fellowship he explained that “fellowship means you are not the only fella in the ship”. Life isn’t meant to be lived in isolation, neither is our Christianity. I don’t remember anything else about that sermon, but those words have stuck with me and how true they are. I couldn’t imagine being adrift in the ocean of life alone, with no one to encourage me, no one to help me bail the water from a storm and so on.

I realize there are times when the crew around us can be irritating. We can find ourselves in disagreement over one thing or another, most of which are usually petty, but the bottom line is if we are in Christ His desire is that we connect in meaningful ways with other believers for the purpose of helping each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “… encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

Hebrews 2:10 (KJV) calls Jesus “the Captain of our salvation.” As our Captain He has a place for each of His followers. A place where we can connect and serve and use our gifts for the benefit of others. It is a place that pleases Him (see 1 Corinthians 12:18). Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) tells us to “…not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” This verse is interesting because it tells us there is something about being joined together in fellowship with others that helps us to be ready for His return. I want that, and I know you do too.

What a privilege it is to have other “fella’s” in the ship as we go along on our journey of faith. Thanks to everyone who has been there doing just that, helping me and others along the way. Fellowship in Christ is truly a beautiful thing.