College days in the small west-Texas town of Lubbock seem like a life time ago. But the memories created with that group of men and women on that small campus will be etched in my mind forever. The Acappella Chorus under the direction of Dr. Wayne Hinds was my main stay for four years. Studying in the Education Department with Dr. Joyce Hardin, and the Bible Department with Dr. Leon Crouch seem like a memory of days long ago at ‘good ole LCC.’ But there was another group that captured a good share of my time on this campus. A group of men who shared a unique fellowship together; a social club by the name of KOINONIA. We were proud of our club and the legacy we shared. On our jerseys and on our pledge badges we worn the Greek name for fellowship. We understood the definition to be simply, ‘Christian fellowship (sharing mutual interest) or communion with God.’ And that was our objective, our goal… communion with God and with one another.
But now those old shirts have faded, and the miles have come between many of us. And unfortunately, the fellowship for many of us has failed too. Some, have left the faith they once cherished while others, after re-examining their belief, lost the ‘shared mutual interest’ of other Christians. Yet for those of us who still hold fast to a true communion with God and His people, will forever trust Him and follow the pattern set forth in His Word. We have maintained a walk with Christ that doesn’t turn to the right or to the left (Deuteronomy 28:14); a narrow walk with Him (Matthew 7:14).
Unfortunately, some assume since this walk is narrow and there’s not much give (turning from side to side) that they’re alone and walking without support. A feeling even Elijah felt in I Kings 19, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of host; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left…” With desperation staring him in the face, Elijah was certain his ‘fellowship’ was gone. But we must never forget that we have an enormous cloud of witnesses who have passed ahead of us. There is a fellowship of believers who walk daily in the truth of God’s word. But even if there were no other hand to hold, no other strong arm to lean on…we have fellowship with Christ. I John 1:3 provides the basis of our assurance; “…what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
“What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning on Jesus, leaning on Jesus, safe and secure from all alarms…
Leaning on the everlasting arms.”
Where is your fellowship? Who will you lean on during the dark days of dread? This world may offer you some fond memories and deep treasures, but never lose the ‘mutual interest’ of the One who can make your life worth living. Find KOINONIA with the Father and with Christ’s church. Look to Him, and never be alone.