“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Why do I love church?
Some people run from church because of a negative experience or misinformation. Others simply want nothing to do with God.
Me? I run TO church, and here are a few quick reasons. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it’s simply whats on my mind right now:
1. I get to worship God with a wide variety of people. The rich, the poor, the old, the young, the newly saved and the long-time believer all sit side by side. It’s beautiful!
2. I am challenged to live out my faith with consistency. I’ll run into these people in the marketplace, and that helps keep me accountable.
3. I get to be a part of something that demands self-less-ness. Running from church is selfish, to say the least. Selfishness doesn’t look much like Jesus, and that’s why church is not all about “me”.
4. I am confronted with truth. Yes, I know I’m the pastor, but I still have to preach truth that sometimes nails me. That’s a good thing.
5. It’s an atmosphere of encouragement and support. People reach out to one another, help one another, do business with one another, come to the aid of one another, weep with one another, and laugh with one another. If you’ve never experienced this, you’ve not been in a genuine church.
6. It’s a place where I encounter the presence of God. Honestly, I cannot think of a more enticing reason to be in church. I feel His presence in church. I experience the warmth of His embrace, His love, His mercy and His energizing strength. God really does speak to me and minister to me in church. Church simply refreshes me because God’s presence is there.