I read our Parma Lutheran Church May book club selection, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, and loved it. It was a good story. The ending even put a tear in my eye. I underlined a lot of thought-provoking passages, and enjoyed discussing the book with those of us who gathered for book club. For me, one of the great joys in life are reading and discussing a good book or movie with friends and family. I just wish more people would have joined us for book club, considering how popular book club used to be all those years ago.

 

It’s said the best things in life are free. Maybe. I’d say, most of the “best things” we experience come with at least a minimal degree of effort or cost of our time, talent, or treasure. Like reading a book and then coming to church in fellowship to discuss it takes time and effort. Perhaps in our busy lives to do one thing means that we would have to sacrifice another thing.

 

The only truly free thing for us is the grace we’re given in Christ Jesus. God’s grace comes to us completely free of charge to us. But consider our salvation cost God the ultimate price by the suffering and death of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

 

The apostle Paul writes, “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Going to church does not, in and of itself, save us. Faith in what Christ did for us on the cross and rising from the dead saves us! But if we want to deepen our love of God, as we might want any relationship with someone to grow, then it takes time and effort. To grow in our love of God, we spend time with God in worship and fellowship, reading and reflecting upon scripture, talking to God in prayer, and listening to God in meditation. It is no different in kind than spending time with a friend or spouse to deepen our relationship with that person.

 

Taking the time to read and discuss a book with fellow members of our church family doesn’t save us. But the fellowship we share blesses us. Jesus said, “20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). The presence of Christ we bring to one another when we worship and fellowship together helps us grow in our love of God, and love of one another.

 

The writer of Hebrews tells us says that our gathering together is important, “24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 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 approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). I encourage us all, and remind myself, that there is no greater place we can be than with one another in worship and fellowship.

 

Journeying together in Christ,

Pastor “Jay” Plummer