“Personal relationship with Jesus Christ…” could give the impression that the Christian faith is private—“just between you and God.” For while our faith is indeed very personal, it is definitely not private. Private Christian faith is an oxymoron.
–Matt Chandler
As Americans who are so individualized and who care so much about how things affect me, we recoil a bit at this quote. But what does Scripture say about our Christian faith?
You are one body made up of many members.
Consider one another as more important than yourselves.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
We who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
It does not take long at all to see from Scripture that the Christian life is not private. It is meant to be lived together in fellowship and accountability in community. Just look at the model of the early church in Acts where they met together, prayed together, shared with one another, and saw God do amazing things because of it.
Jesus tells us that people will believe in Him based on our unity. Our ability to be diverse individuals who experience a oneness with each other – allowing the uniting power of Christ to bridge every difference – that is what God says the Christian life should look like. So, if you are trying to live the Christian life alone, you are “doing it” wrong!
The Christian Life is Doing Life Together In Christ.