What the believers of Ragged Island can teach us

By Bruce Boyer

Ragged Island is located in the southern Bahamas. In 2016, Ragged Island had a population of less than 80 people living on the small patch of land. At the time, three different religious denominations were present on the Island, yet  all the people gathered in one place for worship and fellowship each week. The fellowship of believers was essential to them.  

Following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, early Christian believers understood the importance of fellowship. Being with others growing in the faith provided community, support, and a sense of purpose as they sought to learn more about Jesus’ teachings. They knew that Jesus was no longer physically with them, so they sought the company of others to gain strength in the faith. Early Christians gathered in homes for worship and meals and cared for others’ needs. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they praised God continually and created a network to help each other. Eventually, they formed churches as a place of  worship, bringing together a community of believers. “All the believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32).  

The pandemic isolated and scattered us to worship in our homes and watch services remotely. Those were tough times, but we did the best we could. Instead of worshiping in God’s house, we invited Him to ours. It was all we could do at the time. Many fell away from worshiping, and the momentum to serve faded. Being isolated took its toll on our social interaction, creating a devastating loneliness for many. Mental health issues arose as there was a  void of purpose in people’s lives. 

We need others in our lives. Look around your church at the conclusion of a worship service today. Gathering together around the coffee pot or even in the church parking lot is an act of love. Informal conversations with fellow believers encourage us to do good things for each other. We learn about the lives of others and their needs. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”  (Hebrews 10:24). Did you catch the last part? We spur others to do good deeds.  

Don’t try to go it alone. If physically possible, attend worship in a setting that brings you into fellowship with other believers. In this way, we can encourage and learn how we can help others. Seek to be in the physical presence of  the Family of God. 

The Bible Says: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” Acts  2:42). 

Bruce Boyer lives in Kernersville and is the author of two devotional books and writes a weekly devotional email. A library of his stories is posted on https://christianfaithstories.org/.