Gathering in Jesus Name

I had a friend once who said "if we are not going to pray or study I am not going waste my time just standing around talking". This came after a group of us decided to just go hang out at my house. My friend's ressponse disappointed me but did not surprize me.

You see we have been conditioned to think of spiritual life in terms of religious task or functions. Prayer, bible study , worship, missions, etc... they are "spiritual" acts. Laughing, talking, goofing off, painting, work, i.e. LIFE is not "spiritiual".

I have come to believe that to gather in Jesus' name is anytime believers gather. When our common point of reference is our relationship to Christ, then we have gathered in His name. Work, play, it does not matter. Jesus said He is present.

Lets be honest have you not been in religious gatherings where Jesus was no where to be found? Yeah me too. Indeed what makes a gathering "spiritual"? Is it not the presence of God manifested among us.

Ever feel the pressure to do something "spiritual" when you are with a group of fellow Christians? Like maybe you are suppose to pray, or share needs, or ...evangelize. Do something, anything, just do!

One more story....In my college years I was a part of a wonderful singles ministry. We shared life in Christ together and we were learning to live "irreligiously". One New Years Eve we all met at a friends house to welcome in the new year. Some of our group invited some of their friends from another church.

As the magic hour approached some of us decided to engage in the spiritual act of setting off firecrackers. As word spread more people left the house to come outside and join in our "worship" expereince.

One of the invited guest came out angry. They thought this was a Christian gathering. We were told we needed to get back in the house and pray in the new year. This was serious and these were serious times. We were told by said person that we were not honoring God acting so foolish.

One by one we filed in and "prayed in " the new year. I think we even had to join hands.

But you know something deeply spiritual did happen to me that night. I came to realize sometimes we leave Jesus standing in the driveway holding firecrackers while we are inside with the matches.

Got any matches?