Great Meetings

It’s pretty awesome when believers gather and wonders happen. People being healed, freed from demons, getting saved and worshiping Jesus as if there is no veil between the holy of holies and the front row; it is sometimes clear that Jesus is raised from the dead and wants to influence our meetings with that fact.

I am convinced, though, that the best measure of maturity for congregations and their meetings is the same as it is for individuals: how quickly do we respond to situations with answers that prove the influence of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fullness of faith, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23).

If that is missing, I would infer that there is something important about His presence and influence that is, too. It really is going to be bad for some people one day to stand before Him and be asked, “Who are you?” Reminding Him of the awesome meetings might not be enough to settle it.

We are influenced by relationship, not just presence.