Chuck
Roots
28
November 2016
Why
I Go to Church
Today’s
society is not a church-going crowd. At least it seems that way to
me.
Growing
up in the 50s, going to church on Sunday mornings was an activity
many Americans engaged in. It was expected, even required in some
instances. Some businesses asked you what church you attended as part
of the employment evaluation. School teachers were likewise expected
to attend church if they were going to work in the school system
teaching young Americans.
My
mother and father grew up attending a little Methodist church in
their home town of Marshall, Texas. After they married in 1933, they
moved to New York City. From what I can gather, church quickly fell
by the wayside. Later, after my mother married my step father, they
spoke often of attending church. So off we’d go on a Sunday morning
to fulfill some societal expectation, more than likely. We’d attend
for two or three weeks, then begin to miss going until we stopped
altogether. My brother, sister and I were always glad to see these
church sprees end.
This
was also a time in our nation when divorce was still rare, and one
did not discuss such a topic in polite society. In fact, some
families did not allow their children to play with me because I was
from a divorced family. It was not uncommon to have a teacher ask why
my last name was different from my parents’. Like I said, it was a
different time.
In
any event, I never got into the habit of attending church. In fact, I
was 24 years old when I surrendered my life to Jesus. Only then did I
realize that I needed to attend church.
If
you will indulge me, I will list, in no specific order, some of the
reasons I find attending church not only important, but essential in
my life.
- I am a traveler heading for Heaven. As an old hymn says, “I’m just a poor, wayfaring stranger.” Another says, “This world is not my home.” As a follower of Jesus, I know there’s a better place waiting in Heaven. But as long as I’m here on planet Earth, I need to be surrounded and embraced, literally, by others who are on this pilgrim road as well. The people in my church are familiar to me. I was their pastor for sixteen years. My wife and I love these folks, and we are loved by them in return. This is why when I retired from the pastoral ministry a few years ago, Isaura and I wanted to continue attending there, with the proviso that the new pastor was comfortable having the previous guy hanging around.
- I need encouragement and refreshing. Living for Jesus is fraught with challenges regardless of where you live on this celestial ball. Coming together with others who face life’s daily challenges allows us to draw strength from one another, realizing we are not alone in the journey. As we grow in the Spirit, we lift each other up through prayer, and verse of Scripture, a thoughtful word of encouragement. These weekly encounters in a designated place, such as the church, opens up opportunities to gather together around the table to share a meal, such as a church pot luck; or lunch at a nearby restaurant; or having folks over for a home-cooked meal. After all, in Christ, we are all brothers and sisters.
- I need the blessing of worship. This begins for me each Sunday by singing the old hymns. After finishing seminary, I was serving as youth pastor at a church in San Jose. Our daughter, Laura, was about three at that time when one of the men in the church asked her, “What does your daddy do?” Laura spoke right up, saying, “My daddy wears a suit, and sings loud.” That about summed it up! And it hasn’t changed. Singing, particularly the old hymns of the faith, is nourishment to my soul, and gives life to my bones. I can never get enough of it. I serve in the church on the worship team in both morning services. We have a great time together.
- I need the challenge from God’s Word. I know one thing for sure: without the teaching and preaching of God’s Word, I would surely shrivel up and die spiritually speaking. Through pastors who faithfully proclaim God’s Word I am invigorated because the Bible rings true in my soul, and I must align my life in accordance with that word of instruction. At times, I am under the conviction of God’s spirit, pointing out areas in my life that need his correction. Other times, I’m simply enjoying God’s Word. I recount the many blessings I have enjoyed from his gracious hand. Still other times, I am greatly encouraged by standing on the promises of God.
- I need the life of the church. I’m not talking about a building. I’m referring to the people who are God’s church. Several times during the week we have the opportunity to come together in fellowship. I’m comfortable coming into the church because I am a sinner saved by God’s amazing grace. And I get to be with other sinners who have experienced his amazing grace as well. I am far from perfect, and so are we all. That’s why I need to be with others who know Jesus. He’s the one who is perfect, and he leads imperfect people to Glory.
Believe me when I
tell you this: You want me to be regularly attending church. Why do I
say this? Because when I begin to ignore my walk with Jesus, my old
nature has a way of worming its way back into my life. Those things
that plagued me before I accepted Christ have a sneaky way of
reappearing, such as impatience, a short temper, selfishness, a foul
mouth, and various and sundry sinful behaviors that need to always be
under the blood of Jesus. If I slip in my walk with the Master, (what
used to be called, “backsliding”) then I am not someone you would
want to be around.
This is why at
Advent Season, I am so glad Jesus came some 2000 years ago. He came
to save me from the ravages of sin by dying on the cross. I will
serve him because he loves me, and I love him. He is the Head of the
church, and that’s where I belong!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Authors of comments and posts are solely responsible for their statements. Please email MiddletownInsider@gmail.com for questions or concerns. This blog, (and any site using the blogger platform), does not and cannot track the source of comments. While opinions and criticism are fine, they are subject to moderator discretion; slander and vile attacks of individuals will not to be tolerated. Middletown Insider retains the right to deny any post or comment without explanation.