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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I've always been an independent person, and therefore I've never bothered to get connected to a church. It always seemed like too much of a hassle. And anyway, I can watch a church service on TV if I want to. You'll probably disagree, but why? -- N.McK.

A: Let me ask you a question: If you never ate a balanced diet, what would happen to your body? You know the answer: Eventually you'd grow weak; you might even become vulnerable to serious illness or disease. We all need a balanced diet if we're to stay physically healthy.

And the same is true spiritually. When we commit our lives to Christ, a whole new life begins for us -- a life centered no longer in ourselves but in Jesus. And God's will is for us to grow stronger in our faith, so we'll be able to resist temptation and serve God in whatever ways He leads us. The Bible says, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:2).

But our spiritual lives don't grow stronger on their own -- any more than our physical lives grow stronger on their own. We need spiritual nourishment -- and without it we'll stay weak and vulnerable. What is that nourishment? God has provided it for us, and it includes prayer, and discovering the truths of His Word, the Bible.

But it also includes fellowship with other believers. We need their encouragement; we also need to learn from their experience of walking with God. Don't shut yourself off from God's people, but ask Him to lead you to a church where His Word is taught and lived, and where you'll grow stronger in your faith. You need other believers -- and they need you.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.