Looking on a wider scale, one concern that I have in my heart is that an increasing number of people, even among the leaders, stress the importance of being strong and independent, "able to take care of yourself spiritually". That's important, but I think we might be getting imbalanced.

Cos we are called to be spiritually interdependent, not spiritually independent. Galatians stress so strongly about this: "Help carry one another's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." So many Scripture talk about this.

I think this is one of the subtle distortions that is creeping into our 21st century church, attempting to undermine the importance of the Church.

To be honest, an increasing no. of lyrics that we sing for our P&W stress the individual relationship with God. That's good. But we neglect the corporate unity of the church too. There are great songs that have the word "we". Why not sing more of these too?

Because we mustn't forget that the Church is the apple of God's eyes. The Church is the Body of Christ. The Church is the Bride of Christ. The Church is at the centre of God's redemptive plan for humanity. You get my drift. And if we start thinking we can live unaccountable lives... we are in great danger. And more so - our mental doctrines agree, but our actual, practical doctrines speak a different story.

Think of Sparta's 300. It's not merely a legend - it's a historical event. Of course, they had a great defensive position. But their unity was critical. And the rest is history, plus an epic blockbuster movie sponsored by some swimming-trunk manufacturer.

:)

Yah. Think a lot of people, especially the younger ones, have not been well-grounded in the doctrine of the Church. It's so important. I guess I should know... I was one of those... kept running away from the church... :)

Ok! I'm late.