Last weekend I went to a Christian writers’ conference in Stirling. What a joy is was to meet fellow Christians face to face, those who were Christians as well as writers. We had a brilliant speaker, worthwhile discussions and a time of great encouragement.
Isolation is one of the dangers of this age. Loneliness is a growing problem. Covid and increased technology are a couple of the reasons. We have got out of the habit of meeting together. Zoom and the telephone are of value but nothing beats a hug of handshake. An increased lack of mobility can be a problem for some and a valid reason for not meeting with others.
Singing in the bath might sound good but singing with others in a packed church or hall is far better for us. Podcasts, videos and other ways of hearing God’s word are good but much better to listen to a sermon surrounded by others, with a chance to discuss it with fellow worshippers. The Bible gives us guidance. In Ecclesiastes we read ‘Two are better than one’ and in Hebrews 10:25 we also read ‘Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,’ So thank you to the Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers for being intentional and allowing us to meet face to face.