Back in the day, I played on a men's church softball team. We signed up, got the t-shirts and held a few practices just to go out and have some fun playing. We had 15 men or so that committed to play on the team. Fortunately, none of them gripped about playing time or sitting on the bench. They were committed to the season, to playing the games and bring a good attitude whether we won or lost. When they were put in the game, they played well and were very humble about letting others play too.
We don't want to let the other guys down by not showing up. We want to play and seek out the fellowship especially with other believers. What about committing to the body of Christ? I could quote a few Scriptures to tell you that meeting together with the body of Christ is a command, but I don't want to turn this into a legalistic requirement. It's a commitment. Just like you're commitment to Christ, to love Him and others, to be devoted to Him daily in constant worship, to follow Him where He leads and live life for His glory. Why would we give a greater commitment to a softball team than we would Jesus? Why wouldn't we want to be committed to a body of Christ that would help us practice how to play and learn how to be in the game and when to rest on the bench?
The question is simply: Are you willing? It's got to be a desire. It's got to be a commitment. It's got to be a team (church) you are willing to invest in: to love God and others with. Are you willing?
