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André Borschberg’s name may be unfamiliar to you, but he holds an astonishing record. Borschberg holds the world record for the longest solo flight in history. Flying in a plane powered by solar panels, Borschberg stayed in flight for a remarkable 117 hours and 52 minutes — almost five full days in the air by himself.
Unlike this remarkable feat, the Christian life is not meant to be a solo journey. We are never meant to engage in the Christian life by ourselves but are commanded to be part of a local congregation, worshiping God corporately and encouraging one another in our Christian lives. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “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.”
These verses teach us two important things. First, it is our responsibility to consider carefully how we can be used in the lives of others. Often when we gather together with other Christians, we think only of ourselves—what we get out of it, how we are blessed and helped. But our first thought toward others should be how we can be used to help them.
Second, we see that we must not forsake gathering together. Why? Because we need the encouragement of others. The challenges to our faith from the world, the flesh, and the devil are too strong. This truth is assumed throughout the New Testament. When the Apostle Paul finishes his great doctrinal exposition in Ephesians 1–3, he turns to apply it in specific ways, urging Christians to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (4:1). What does this worthy walk look like? Paul puts it this way:
[Bear] with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (vv. 2–6)
In other words, walking worthy of our calling in Christ primarily presents itself in our interaction with others. We have one Lord. The one Holy Spirit works through His people. This is why love is so vital (1 Cor. 13) and why recognizing and exercising our spiritual gifts is so necessary (Rom. 12:6). It is why elders play such an important role in the church (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1). We are meant to be in community with other believers.
Perhaps you have experienced abandonment by other Christians, or perhaps you are receiving little of the encouragement and oversight you need. Even then, you are not flying solo.
The Apostle Paul had a moment of testing when all those around him abandoned him, but here is what he wrote: “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2 Tim. 4:17). Christians are never meant to be alone, and in Christ, they never are.