Membership has it's privileges

What do you think? Free Coffee? Everlasting Life? How about everything in between? What makes it worthwhile to become a member?

A number of years ago, American Express used the slogan, "Membership has it's privileges". And many other companies and individuals have used this phrase. So, what are the privileges of membership in a church?

You may list things like:

Free rental of the church facilities

Free or preferred rates for burial in the cemetery

Permission to take communion at some churches

Permission to serve on committees, hold positions, or teach Sunday School at some churches

(Sounds like fun, yeah! Some of you might prefer not to be members, because then you have an excuse to not to have to serve.)

 Of course, being a member doesn't save you or give you a higher standing in heaven or more jewels in your heavenly crown. But, I would like to suggest that maybe, just maybe, being a member can assist in saving you. When you commit your life, time, talents, gifts, to a group of people and their benefit, you are changed due to the influence of your associations. Did I say "commit"?  Really?!  Yes, membership isn't something frivolous, it is a commitment of mutual benefit. I place myself in your care for accountability, encouragement, and support. And I commit to hold you in love for accountability, encouragement, and support. 

For God's glory and to bring the Kingdom of God here on earth as it is in heaven!