Why Go To Church ?

In a “Letters to the Editor” column of a certain newspaper, a churchgoer wrote a letter complaining that it made no sense to attend church every Sunday.  He wrote, “I’ve gone for thirty years now, and in that time I must have heard 3000 sermons.  But for the life of me I can’t remember a single one of them.  So I think I’m wasting my time, and the preachers are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”  This resulted in an outpouring of letters in response to the column. They continued for weeks until someone wrote the following: “I’ve been married for 30 years. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals.  But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.  But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work.  If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.  Likewise, If I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”

 Of course, I wholeheartedly endorse this response.  Each of us needs the assembly of the church to maintain our spiritual health and strength.  That’s one reason God ordained it and instructed us to attend the assembly or the church on a weekly basis.  However, the response forgets that the reasons we we are commanded to attend the assembly is not just to be spiritually nourished.  We also assemble to remember the Lord’s death until He comes again.  ( I Cor 11: 20 )  As well, we come together to motivate each other to love and good works.   ( Heb  10: 23-25 )   While we are together we teach and admonish each other with the songs we sing.  (  Col 3: 16 )   

 American culture has become too much all about “me.” From the cradle up we’re taught to seek our own above all else.  Consequently, many Americans come to church with the same attitude they take to other spectator events; seeking to be entertained.  If the singing is not as good as desired, they are disappointed.  If the sermon does not scratch their ears, they complain.       

For the Christian, the assembly is an opportunity to worship God and to minister to his or her brethren. Christians do not assemble as spectators, as critics or for what they can get out of the service, but as ministers.  Good on you.  Keep up the good work!   wp