There are several reasons that we as followers of Christ attend church. The Bible tells us that we should get together with fellow believers so we can encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). Associating with others who follow Christ also helps keep us accountable in both our actions and words. Worshipping as a group of like minded people brings a dynamic that is different from when we worship alone. All of these reasons are good, scriptural and necessarily refreshing as we seek to walk the path Christ has set before us. However, I don’t think it’s enough to simply fellowship with other believers and enjoy a time of worship. I believe we need to be learning more about God during the time we spend together. Yet today there seems to be an emphasis on shallow teaching and a focus on those gathered rather than those on the outside who desperately need the gospel of Jesus.
God’s Compass
Amidst all the craziness in life, it’s comforting to realize that we don’t have to know where we’re going as long as we know who we’re following. We don’t need to understand how we’ll reach our destination; we simply have to know why. We see only a small piece of the complete picture that God holds in His hands. On our own we are helplessly lost, but when we surrender our lives to Him, we are found and placed on the proper path for as long as we will follow. You are simply wasting your time trying to figure life out on your own.
Spectators and Participants
Within Christianity there are two camps; those who are spectators and those who are participants. The true followers of Jesus are those who participate in His mission on earth. Spectator Christians are those who have prayed the “sinner’s prayer” and are content to go to church on Sunday and perhaps volunteer every now and then for one of the various ministries of their congregation. To which group do you belong? I believe those whom Christ will welcome into His kingdom are those who have chosen to do the things He commanded us to do: to feed the hungry and care for the orphans, the widows, and the sick. Following the commands of Jesus means that we will have to get our hands dirty and, yes, participate in the work itself.
Used to Bad News
Every day we read the news and it seems our world keeps going from bad to worse. It can be discouraging as we try and live for Christ on a planet that seems determined to eradicate His name from its vocabulary. Intellectually we know that God is in control and in the end He will triumph. Through our logical eye, however, we question how that will ever be possible in a world that seems to have simply gone mad. Good news seems even better than it is because it has become so rare. Newspapers and web sites are full of negative stories be it concerning the economy, war, or violence perpetrated against random individuals. Over time it becomes numbing to the point that we simply get used to bad news.
God is Not To Blame
God created the first man and the first woman; He continues to place His fingerprint on every child born today. He has specific plans for each soul and has equipped them with a unique blend of skills, talents, dreams and passions. You are born loved into a world of hate. No matter what happens you can always return to the love of your Father. He crafted you and He cares for you. There is nowhere you can run from His love, no place you can hide from His gaze. He is with you at all times and in all circumstances. God wants nothing but good for you and longs to see you fulfill the purpose He instilled within you before birth. These are the facts for every person ever born. It is true when we embrace His love, and it is true when we reject it. It is true when we praise Him for our blessings, and it is true when we blame Him for our pain. We may change depending on our situation and circumstances, but God never does. He is constant and sure. He is trustworthy and longs to collaborate with you as you live out your days.