Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Celebrate God

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -- Hebrews 10:25

Sometimes I just don't feel like going to church. I'd prefer to sleep late and laze away the day. Just one day off, I tell myself. Fortunately, I know better. I set the alarm and I get up and head to church. I'm always glad I did.

I tell you this because I don't want to sound like someone out to judge the world. I'm not. And I still sometimes have to make myself go. I know every excuse -- tired, sick (not contagious), busy, working, etc. But I've also come to understand that it is when we are most weary and most burdened that we need to be surrounded by other believers and God's presence.

Several weeks ago Pastor Gary gave three reasons to attend church. First, it draws us closer to God. Second, it gives us compassion for others. And third, it calls us to ministry. Funny how God works. I'd taken notes from that sermon and never did anything with them. Today I went to put the notebook up and it fell open -- to the page with the notes on attending church.

Pastor Gary told a wonderful story that day. The apostles were gathered in the upper room. They were excited about the Risen Lord. It was awesome! But Thomas wasn't excited? Why? He wasn't there.

Do you feel different if you don't go to church on Sunday morning? Are you holding back on God? How many life-changing moments have you missed because you weren't there? These are all questions Pastor Gary asked us that Sunday morning.

He went on to say that studies show people who attend church regularly are happier, live longer, are more loving and generous, more honest and more committed to their families and community. You see, Pastor Gary wasn't talking about preaching from the pulpit when he mentioned ministry as a third reason to attend church. Not that some aren't called to the pulpit. It's just that all of us are called to minister to others. I think we're more aware of others -- and less aware of self -- when we attend church regularly.

We need fellowship with each other to strengthen us and carry us when the days seem hard and impossible to face alone. We need to rejoice with each other when God's blessings abound. We need each other. Don't make excuses. Spend Sunday mornings in church celebrating God. You'll be glad you did.