Even though I’ve been keeping fish for over thirty years, I still marvel over them. I’m just amazed at how they differ in color, shape, function, and behavior.
All this being a testimony to God’s creativity and handiwork with even the smallest of His creatures.
However, recently one of my little fish, a guppy, was troubling me. Because every time I looked at him (or her?), I would find it at the top of the tank in a vertical position and hiding behind a filter tube. And it looked so unhappy (Because, you know, fish have emotions)!
Well, needless to say my troubled guppy friend was stealing my peace. So, I thought to myself, “If I get him a little companion, maybe that would pick up his spirits.” So, off to the store I went, and I soon returned home with another guppy who I was sure would save the day!
So, into the tank it went! And at first, things did not look promising. As a matter of fact, things seemed to be getting worse, as the new guppy started biting the tail of the old guppy, causing it to flee! Thus, all hope was lost.
But the next day they seemed to be getting along. And over the next few days, the first guppy started to come out of the corner and follow his new friend around. And they both became “happier” each day, along with me!
Now, I know that at this point you may be thinking, “Okay, time to find a new pastor, because this one is just telling meaningless fish stories about guppies!” But, alas, I have a point!
My guppy story illustrates something about human nature. And that is that we are relational beings, who thrive when we are in fellowship with one another, for this is how God made us. And when we think of church, we see this principle come to life. For, if we come to church and don’t interact with others, we miss the opportunity to be loved, encouraged, prayed for, edified and provided for. And we miss the opportunity to do this for others! And if this goes on for too long, we can end up discouraged and feeling like we are outsiders in our very own church! And this is not what God wants for us, for He wants His people to be interdependent.
Well, there is my guppy story, and my brief thoughts about the blessing of Christian fellowship. I hope it encouraged you. Because now I am Fin-ished.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)