Kwame had always been a believer. He attended church on Sundays when he felt like it, tossed some spare change into the offering basket and even listened to a sermon or two online when he had time. But if he was honest with himself, his relationship with church was casual at best. He liked the idea of being a Christian and knowing God, but when it came to fully committing to church life, getting involved, serving, or being consistent, he just didn’t see the point. I can worship God on my own, he thought. Why do I need to be tied down to a church?

One Saturday evening, Kwame’s phone buzzed with a text from his shepherd. “Hey Kwame, we missed you at the last couple of meetings. Hope you’re doing okay! Just wanted to encourage you to stay connected, it’s so important to grow together as the body of Christ.”

Kwame sighed as he read the message. He appreciated the concern but couldn’t help feeling defensive. Why is everyone so obsessed with church attendance? I’m doing fine on my own. Still, something about the message lingered in his mind.

The next morning, Kwame decided to pick up his Bible, hoping to quiet the nagging feeling in his heart. He flipped to Romans 7, where he had left off in his reading plan, and his eyes landed on verse 4:
“So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.”

Kwame paused. You might belong to another… He read the verse again, slowly. The word “belong” stood out to him. He realized that his faith wasn’t just about him and God in isolation, it was about belonging to Christ, being united with Him, and bearing fruit for God. And if he belonged to Christ, that also meant he belonged to the body of Christ, the church.

Suddenly, Kwame saw his lack of commitment in a new light. He had been treating church like an optional activity, something he could pick up or drop depending on his mood. But this verse reminded him that his relationship with Christ was like a marriage, it required love, devotion, and commitment. Just as a husband wouldn’t ignore his wife or treat their relationship as casual, Kwame realized he couldn’t treat his connection to Christ or His church so lightly. The church wasn’t just a building or a social gathering, it was the bride of Christ, and being part of it was part of his calling as a believer.

Kwame prayed, “Lord, I’m sorry for the way I’ve been treating Your church. I’ve been selfish and casual about my faith, but I want to change. Help me to commit to You fully and to be a faithful part of Your body. Show me how I can serve You and bear fruit for Your glory.”

That week, Kwame took action. He signed up to serve in the ushers ministry at his church, welcoming new visitors and helping them feel at home. He made it a priority to attend the basonta group meetings regularly, not just to receive encouragement but to give it as well. And instead of treating Sundays as optional, he committed to being present and engaged in worship. Over time, Kwame noticed a change in his heart. He began to feel more connected to God and to the people in his church family. He saw how his commitment to the church wasn’t just about “doing more” it was about living out his relationship with Christ in a real and tangible way.

Kwame also began to see fruit in his life. His faith grew deeper, his relationships were strengthened, and he found joy in serving others. “I used to think church was just a place you went to once in a while,” he shared with a friend. “But Romans 7:4 showed me that being part of the church is part of belonging to Christ. When I committed to His body, my faith came alive in a way I never expected.”

Romans 7:4 reminds us that our relationship with Christ is like a marriage, we belong to Him. And just as a healthy marriage requires commitment and faithfulness, so does our relationship with Christ and His church. The church is the bride of Christ, and being part of it is not optional; it’s a crucial part of living out our faith. When we commit to the body of Christ, we grow deeper in our relationship with Him, bear fruit for His glory, and experience the joy of serving and being part of His work.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling us to belong to You and for giving us the church as a place to grow, serve, and bear fruit. For the reader who struggles with commitment to church, I pray that You remind them of the truth in Romans 7:4, that they belong to You and that being part of Your body is part of their calling. Help them to see the beauty of the church as Your bride and to commit their time, energy, and heart to serving You through it. Give them the joy of being part of Your work and the strength to remain faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let this story and prayer encourage you: The church is not just a building or an event, it’s the bride of Christ, and being part of it is a privilege and a calling. Commit to your church, serve faithfully, and experience the joy of belonging to the body of Christ. You are united with Him, and through your commitment, you can bear fruit for His glory.