In New Testament times, believers banded together in prayer groups and house churches. This enabled them to go further and rise higher in their Christian growth than if they had tried to go it alone.

I too have experienced the encouragement and support that comes from being actively involved in a group. I had been gradually getting out of shape physically. I knew I needed regular exercise to keep my mind clear and my body healthy, but each time I tried a new exercise program, I would soon quit. My resolutions fell apart until a co-worker suggested that several of us men begin running during lunch break. We agreed to try it, and it worked! If I had run alone, I would have given up a hundred times for a hundred different reasons. Instead, I was able to cover hundreds of miles because we encouraged each other as we ran together.

On a more important level, that's what should be happening in the church. The writer of Hebrews said, "Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works" (10:24). Banding together can provide the stimulus that will help believers grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

Don't go it alone! There's great encouragement in a shared commitment!  — Mart De Haan