The 4:15 Club

Exclusive clubs have conditions of membership and entry, and the cost can be so prohibited only the affluent can apply.  Only those deemed worthy are able to join such clubs.  Clubs for dancing and drinks are exclusive for people aged 21 and older.  There are clubs people would rather not be included in like the "27 Club," which is a list of musicians and celebrities who died at 27 years of age.

As I was mowing today, I thought of a "club" I was part of for about 7 years.  I don't remember how it came about, but me and a group of guys from church wanted to meet up regularly but evenings were too busy with work and family.  So my dad, myself, and 3 or 4 others from church remedied this by meeting at a Denny's Restaurant every Tuesday morning at 4:15am.  Christmas and New Year's Day were the only days we did not meet.  Men would come and go, usually because of moving away, and when one left another would show up.  The "4:15 club" continued to meet for years after I moved to Australia, and I saw many of those early risers at my dad's memorial service.

We didn't meet early in the morning to draw attention to ourselves or because it was a big sacrifice to prove our devotion to the LORD; it was simply the time that worked for a lot of us who worked in trades.  Meeting together in person allowed each us of to positively impact one another as disciples of Jesus.  Sometimes my dad would provide a book for us to read and/or discuss and we talked about verses from the Bible as well as our present lives.  Everyone had the opportunity to share and contribute to the conversation.  We were able to be a godly witness to the waitresses, praying for them and one another as we enjoyed fellowship over Grand Slams and oatmeal.  Our humble gatherings, led by the Holy Spirit, were fruitful and an encouragement to all willing to attend.

The "4:15 club" illustrates the lasting, positive impact our lives as Christians can make on others for the glory of Jesus Christ by spending time with them in person.  The cost of sacrificing an hour of sleep was a bargain in exchange for the deeper friendship and fond memories of brothers in Christ who faithfully sharpened each other week after week.  Friends, what might you do to meet up with fellow Christians on a regular basis outside of church to encourage one another?  What keeps you from meeting up with Christians--not to create an exclusive group or impress people--but to join your life with others in Christian fellowship to bring God glory?  How enriched are the souls who give of their time and effort to love others by a simple act of buying and eating breakfast together!  As Psalm 133:1 exclaims, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"