But building this Christian society, the church, requires a continuing commitment. When we're gone, we are missed. Perhaps, in a larger group, not by name, but by face, by our empty seat. The sparsely attended gathering sends a message of defeat which demoralizes our brothers and sisters. Maintaining a strong Christian community is up to us.
Christian fellowship reinforces our values in the face of a hostile society.
But there are times, too, when we are hurt and need healing. Wherever I go in my car I take along my tool box. I have files and rasps, wire strippers and a circuit tester, along with odds and ends of screws and nails, refugees from some past project. If the car falters I can usually fix it with something from the red box in my trunk. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are God's tool kit.