Church, To Go or Not To Go?

Do you go to church?

If yes, why do you go?

What do you hope to gain?

What does it cost?

If no, why not?

Have you ever attended?

If yes, when and why?

If no, would you like to?

Attending church is something I have done as far back as my memory takes me. It is a difficult thing for me to imagine never attending church but I know many people have not experienced it. I know that people go to church for different reasons and that church can also be many things to many people. I remember getting dressed up for Sunday school and being picked up by the Sunday school teacher every Sunday. When I was young, three or four, my parents didn’t attend on a regular basis but wanted me and my brother to attend. Later on as I grew my parents would attend more and especially on holidays like Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. I was never forced to attend Sunday school or church by my parents, I loved it, enjoyed it very much. As an adult now, I look back and can see some valuable lessons I learned through these experiences, I learned social skills, I learned bible stories, I learned songs that have sustained me throughout my life. I learned to be part of a bigger family, one beyond my own. I was a part of the church family and the greater community of believers. I found worth and value through going to church. It wasn’t the building, though it still holds a special place in my heart, not a specific sermon, not even a specific minister, although some are more memorable than others; it was the people, their convictions and beliefs, the presence of God within those individuals that taught me what church really is all about. Church, for me is the presence of God! It is a place to worship, a place to be feed physically, emotionally and spiritually. It’s a place for support, learning, healing and safety/comfort. A favorite bible verse of mine is, Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.“

Here’s a list of why some attend church:

• To interact with other like-minded individuals.

• To socialize with friends and family.

• To hear God’s Word spoken and preached.

• Free babysitting.

• Free entertainment.

• Hot coffee and food.

• Heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

• Worship God/Praise God.

💜These are all good and valid reason, follow your heart. 💜

Here’s a list of why some do not attend church:

• It’s my only day off, it’s “me” time.

• I’m too tired.

• I don’t have the right clothes.

• It’s too early/It’s too late.

• I don’t have money for the offering.

• I don’t want to be “called out” or “yelled at.”

• I don’t fit in/I don’t know anyone.

• I’m too broken.

Never let any of this statements or ones like them keep you for worshiping God and seeking God.

❤️God sees your Heart!❤️

Church will and can be what you want it to be. We are all members of one body as stated in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

There are many different churches and denominations in the world, and I am not here to promote one over another. The Bible commands me to do two things and they should not be hard to do but honestly I struggle from day-to-day just like everyone else. We do not live in a perfect world and there is conflict but that doesn’t mean I can’t try to follow God’s command and when I fail, I seek forgiveness and start again and so can you!

Matthew 22:37-40, “He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Love God, love your neighbor!

If you don’t know God seek Him and He will be found. Reach out to a friend, a church, coworker, and/or the internet…God is waiting for you no matter where you are, no matter who you are because we are all God’s children and He desires all to return home. You are loved!

Salvation cannot be earned, we are saved by the grace of God when we recognize and place our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. For the free gift of salvation all you must do is admit and believe you are a sinner, that Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross, and sincerely ask His forgiveness. Strive to sin no more, turning away from sinful things, show repentance. Jesus knows you and loves you. The attitude of your heart is what matters to Him, your truthfulness, your honesty. A suggested prayer for this is:

“Dear God,

I know I’m a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness.

I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son and He died on the cross in my place.

I believe that He died and that you raised Him to life.

I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, starting today at this very moment.

Guide my life and help me to do your will.

I pray this in the name of Jesus.

-Amen

~Peace~

References:

• https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-does-it-mean-to-love-your-neighbor-as-yourself.html

• https://www.biblegateway.com/