Make Church Important Again
Think About It
Make Church Important Again
Growing up in my home church, we had a verse on the front of our bulletin every Sunday from Psalm 122:1 "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." It is when God’s people meet together with Him, that it is actually “the house of the Lord”.
The Lord designed the church to be a place for spiritual growth (2 Peter 3:18). It is a place to hear the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) and thrive in the assurance that God promises eternal life in Christ (John 3:16; 17:3). It is a place for believers to use the talents and gifts that God has blessed them with so that we can be a blessing to others.
If you have reached a point in your Christian life when you cannot attend your church. Take a spiritual inventory Is it because of health issues? Is it because of your work schedule? Are you needed to take care of a loved one who needs constant care? Those reasons are very valid, and the Lord knows that you are unable to attend and also to fulfill obligations such as those.
If you are unable to attend, is it due to an unresolved conflict (or conflicts) within the church? If that is the reason, either do what is necessary to resolve the conflict, or find another church and be faithful to serve the Lord there. It is quite possible to become so focused on a disagreement, or a problem, or hurt feelings, that it consumes a person and makes them blind to the fact that the cause of Christ is more important than being bound by the pride that blinds them. I have seen cases when some people would rather avoid resolving conflict, than to do the right thing for the good of the body of Christ and their own spiritual benefit as well. The three hardest words to say are "I was wrong", but you might be amazed at how those words can invite the wonderful reply, "So was I." Those words can bring healing to the body of Christ, healing that is very much needed right now.
Understand clearly, attending church does not mean that a person is a Christian anymore than going to a pharmacy will make one a pharmacist. Attending church does not in any way give a person eternal life. That is only found in Jesus (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). Going to church does not necessarily mean that a person is spiritually mature; however, there numerous places in Scripture where the Apostle Paul tells us to “love one another”, and “exhort one another” . It is quite difficult to obey the “one another” passages if we do not corporately worship with other believers.
Quitting church when you can and should be faithful to one should not be an option for any Christian (Hebrews 10:24-25). There are plenty of churches in our county. Somewhere there is one that awaits your attendance and involvement.
Do you go to church wondering "What is in it for me?" If so, you are going for the wrong reason (Philippians 2:2-5). Find a church. Go there not only to receive a blessing, but to BE a blessing! When you read Paul's letters to churches, more emphasis is on what you give than what you receive (and, no, I'm not only talking about money). Somewhere around you, probably closer than you realize, there is a church that needs you. You need a church. The Lord designed it that way for Christians (Romans 12:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:25-27; Ephesians 4:15-16). Make a difference. Find a church. Get involved. Make Church Important Again!
Think About It!
Barry