Opening Verse:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25
Introduction:
Sometimes, the actions of others can become a stumbling block in our faith journey. When we fixate on the flaws of people, we risk missing God’s purpose for us. The church, though imperfect, is God’s tool for fellowship and growth.
Devotional Story:
Mark was a devoted churchgoer for years, serving faithfully and building connections with fellow believers. But over time, he became disillusioned. He observed hypocrisy in some members—people who spoke about grace on Sunday but lived contrary to it the rest of the week. He overheard gossip in the pews, saw favoritism in leadership, and noticed a lack of compassion for the struggling.
Bitterness began to grow in his heart. “If this is what church is,” Mark thought, “why should I even bother?” Week by week, he found excuses to stay home, justifying his absence with the flaws he saw in others. Eventually, he stopped attending altogether, deciding he could worship God alone.
Years passed, and Mark’s faith began to feel dry and stagnant. One day, while reading his Bible, he came across Hebrews 10:25. The verse convicted him, but he resisted. “Why go back to a place full of broken people?” he questioned.
That evening, a neighbor invited Mark to a small Bible study. Reluctantly, he agreed to attend. To his surprise, the group was filled with honest, humble Christians who didn’t pretend to be perfect. They discussed the very struggles he had with church and pointed him to a truth he had forgotten: the church is made up of sinners saved by grace, and its purpose is to point people to Christ, not perfection in people.
Mark realized he had let the flaws of others cloud his view of God’s plan. He prayed for forgiveness and began attending church again, this time with a heart fixed on God rather than man. He even became a source of encouragement for others who had similar struggles, reminding them that God’s purpose for the church is greater than its imperfections.
What This Means:
The church is not perfect because it is made up of imperfect people. But God calls us to be part of it—not because of its people, but because of Him. When we fixate on man’s failures, we lose sight of God’s grace and purpose. The church is a place for spiritual growth, accountability, and encouragement as we prepare for Christ’s return.
Think About This:
- Have you allowed the actions of others to distance you from God’s purposes?
- How can you shift your focus from man’s imperfections to God’s calling?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for letting the actions of others deter me from what You have called me to. Help me to see the church as Your body, not defined by human flaws but by Your grace and purpose. Strengthen my faith and teach me to encourage others in love and humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse:
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20