“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,” (Philippians 3:7–9, NASB95)

There are many benefits to living in the times in which we live. It is said common folk of our time enjoy more conveniences than royalty of ages past. We have indoor plumbing, electricity, antibiotics, vaccines, refrigeration, and many benefits of modern technology. We can communicate instantaneously and travel over great distances in a relatively short time. In many ways the poor of today live better lives than a Pharaoh, Caesar, Henry the 8th, Louis the XIV, or even John D Rockefeller, who was the richest man in the world only a century ago. We live in the information age. In the United States we seem to have instant everything and have it our way. Selections are seemingly endless. Abundance abounds.

The follower of Christ today has multiple versions of the bible from which to choose and compare. Books are available instantly in digital format. Teachings on “tape” are downloadable. Our churches are rich with varied programs and deep opportunities. Many churches offer ministry after ministry serving real needs of people. There are children’s ministries, youth ministries, junior high groups, high school ministries, young adult ministries, college ministries, Mothers of Preschoolers programs, and on and on and on. There are many wonderful programs that serve people and allow all to serve in very targeted ways.

In most areas of the country the pilgrim has available a huge church smorgasbord from which to choose. Are you a concrete thinker? Then you might want to try churches in this group. Are you an abstract thinker? Then try these over here. There could be a market for an aid in finding a good church match for those perusing the many variants of Christian congregations; perhaps someone should develop a type of Myers-Briggs personality test for such a purpose! Specialization and self-selection stratify our churches. Great benefits accrue, but there may be side effects which work to weaken the church in ways unrealized. For example, it is postulated that large specialized programs systematically better serve those more extroverted compared to those more introverted.

Long ago, while still in college, I attended a church founded in 1809. I wasn’t there at its founding but I was attending in 1980 when a professor from a neighboring college started a new Sunday morning group bible study at the church. The church was large enough that it offered “traditional” college and post college groups; but this was a new study designed for individuals of all ages. Group members ranged in age from high school to “seasoned” individuals. The leader and his wife were probably in their 40’s. The group totaled about 25 to 30 or so. It was a very rich experience. Contributions came from everyone. The leader was ever vigilant in ensuring that everyone in the group had opportunity to share and contribute — and everyone did. The group was very much short on shared common experience, but was extremely wealthy in perspective.

Some spoke easily, some not so much. One seasoned member of our group was born in Scotland and still spoke with a deep Scottish brogue. When he would speak, particularly if he would read God’s word, it was as if we were enjoying a command performance by an accomplished artisan. His gentle wisdom was always apparent when he spoke. And somehow his wisdom was just as apparent in silence as he listened to others. His sincere humility exuded from his quiet countenance. There were also a couple of foreign students who spoke with strong accents, and they were still very much learning english. There was often trouble with pronunciation and word choice. But even with difficulty in communicating, the concepts came through nonetheless. Each member of the group seemed to bring with them a markedly different background, set of experiences, and circumstances. Despite the differences it was clear all had God’s love in common as well as His forgiveness, tender care, provision and joy. From backgrounds all around the world and at different stages in life’s journey each learned and shared about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

There is certainly great benefit from fellowship where life experiences are similar. Communication and understanding are facilitated through common experience. Strong bonds can be easily formed under such circumstances. However, in dealing with life and things of God, there is also great benefit from fellowship with others of varied experience. In a diverse group of Christian pilgrims there will always be one thing in common — one’s faith — including one’s relationship with the author of that faith, the Savior. I have the same Savior as the college professor, seasoned Scottish gentlemen, high school student, foreign exchange student from Africa, undergraduate student, graduate student, bus driver, and anyone else in the group who heeded His call and was learning about God and His word. Attending church regularly was good, but for those 2 years studying the scriptures in fellowship, attending was wondrous and a blessing!

I went back to my old church just last year. It is still there. I did not recognize anyone nor was I recognized by anyone. There was no recognition of the great work the Holy Spirit wrought under the leadership of that inspired college professor. There was no plaque on the wall recognizing the faithful leaders and contributors in that blessed bible study group. That is a good thing; quietly laying up treasures in heaven is far better then seeking reward here on earth.

““So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:2, NASB95)

When I get to heaven I expect our old group from decades ago will get together again, this time face to face with our Savior. It doesn’t seem that it would be heaven unless that were so.