Keeping with the Flock

 

"We love each other and cherish the fellowship of God's people."

When a young zebra is separated from the herd, he is much more susceptible to the wiles of lions. Perhaps you've seen footage from the African safari of young animals unable to defend themselves, falling prey to predators. For the tender-hearted, it can be difficult to watch; for the rest of us, it satisfies a morbid curiosity.

Spiritually speaking, we are all capable of playing the role of the young, lost zebra. No matter how mature or discerning we consider ourselves to be, we all have weak spots that turn us into lion food.

"Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," (1 Peter 5:8b).

Thus, one of the major reasons why we should cherish the local church is for the protection we offer one another. Ecclesiastes tells us that a cord of multiple strands is not easily torn (4:12), and Proverbs affirms the safety found in the multitude (11:14, 15:22). In the herd of the church, we watch out for one another, equip one another with tools needed for service, intercede for one another in prayer, and admonish one another to think rightly.

You do not have to be the helpless, flailing prey. You can experience the victory of God with His people.