One of my favourite books that I read in the past year was Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s not a Christian book but a powerful reminder that we first form our habits, and then our habits form us.
These past couple of crazy years have obviously had a huge impact on our habits of meeting together. I know that many have struggled with connecting with online church (and online groups) and so our Sundays (and weeknights) have become about other things.
I get that!
I know we’re all still figuring out what life beyond covid looks like.
I understand that questions, concerns, and sensitivities still exist – and may for a while yet.
But, I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is that we do gather as fuel to our faith, and fuel to our friendships.
I remember visiting churches in India a few years back, with Mission India. These Christians were willing to risk their lives because they knew that gathering for prayer, worship, learning, encouragement, and friendship was essential for them to keep going and growing in Jesus. It was an essential habit!
This time last year, I successfully completed the couch-2-5k. I was running three times a week and felt the fittest and leanest for as long as I can remember. But then I got out of the habit, lost some discipline, and that fitness and leanness have been lost (more than a little!). I know I need to get back to some form of exercise to be healthier. It’s hard to get back to it. I’m used to not doing it. But I know it’s good for me. I know I felt better for it. I just need a little discipline and commitment to get started again.
There are health reasons why some in our Zeo family still can’t meet in-person. They’d LONG to do so, but have to stick with online ways right now. That’s really tough, and we want to love and support them as much as we can. For most of us, that’s not the case. But maybe it’s time to get back into the habit.
So can I encourage you to kick yourself back into the habit of being together with the Zeo family? In three ways…
Firstly, join us in Week 1 and 3 as we meet in Hitchin Town Hall. Especially as I launch the new “Disciple-Maker” series this Sunday.
Secondly, be part of a Zeo group that meets in the mid-week for that much needed mid-week moment together – go to zeochurch.com/groups to see what’s available online and in-person and sign up.
Thirdly, be part of the ‘Church At Home’ trial we’re doing this May-July. Go to zeochurch.com/churchathome to find out more.
It matters if you’re there!
It encourages those who lead.
It encourages those who come.
And maybe, most likely, it will encourage you too.
So as the writer of Hebrews wrote…
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Praying bucket loads of God’s blessing and favour on us all as we gather and scatter in the places and spaces God has called us to.
