In the West it is cultural to go to church. This is a good habit for every Christian. But why we go to church is far more important than merely fulfilling a religious obligation. While any reason is a good reason to be in church, it will serve us best if we go to church with a heart of worship.
Every other Christian
activity can be done individually but when we worship Jesus corporately, a
special power is released over our lives. Many flock to church for good
teaching, motivational speech, and great concert-like worship services and
that’s all good. However, the most important reason God wants us to be in
church is so we can worship Him for who He is!
We’re created to worship
our Creator. Some of the ways we can show our worship to our Savior is to
express our gratitude. Worship is easy. Remember the day of your salvation.
Remember the day God healed you and set you free from wrong desires and
addictions. Thank Him for your children and family. Express your gratitude for
His bountiful provisions. Give Him some praise for protecting you from
accidents, plagues, and sudden calamities.
Many Christians are
uncertain about how to worship. The
posture of our heart is far greater than our physical appearance. Let us take
at least as much time preparing our hearts as we do looking good on the
outside. God still looks at the heart! He will not turn away a broken and
contrite spirit. King David, the greatest worshipper in history, often danced
before the Lord with all His might. The Scripture exhorts for us to worship God
“lifting holy hands.” Singing and
clapping are common expressions of a heart of worship. Many are uncomfortable
with being emotional at church but it is completely alright to “let yourself go” in the presence of the
Almighty. A church is not a place to showcase perfect people; it’s a hospital
where broken hearts are mended by God. If you’re uncomfortable looking at
others getting emotional in church, you’re looking in the wrong place. Let’s
focus on Jesus -- the object of our worship. Don’t worry about what anybody
else is doing. Worship for the audience of One!
Much emphasis has been
given to tithes and offerings in the church. While you cannot love God without
giving, don’t do anything out of religious obligation or membership “rules.” Why we give is far more
important than what we put into the offering plate. You have heard about giving
10% of your income to God. May I challenge you to a greater blessing? God
doesn’t want a percentage of your life. He wants your whole heart. Friend,
surrender your whole life to God and
you’ll be amazed by how easy it will be to give. Make Jesus your greatest
Treasure. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
It is sad to say but many
people treat church as a social club. While it is healthy for believers to
fellowship with one another, church should not be a place for us to grow our
business connections. It may happen organically and that’s alright but don’t go
to church with the intent to scout for customers. Seek God and customers will
find you! The only reason we should go to church is to worship our Lord and
learn the Word to bring others to Christ. The intent of our heart is the test
of our character.
Preachers, one of our main
responsibilities is to feed our sheep. Men, women, and children in your
congregation are looking for answers. Let’s teach them how to be a better
husband, how to be a better employee, how to be a better witness for the Lord.
Teach them how to live a victorious Christian life Monday to Saturday. Let’s
lead our flock to an encounter with God. Don’t try to beat your people to
submission. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” If
you lead them to green pastures of God’s love, joy, and peace, they’ll follow
you by the droves.
Friend, God is pleased
with you. It honors Him to meet you in His House. You are the body of Christ.
You don’t have to be in the gathering of others. However, your life will be
enriched when you surround yourself with other like-minded believers. If going
to church was good for our Lord, there may be something in it for us as well.
Let’s put aside the hurt and disappointments of the past. This time around,
let’s follow Jesus and not people. Let’s worship the Lord in Spirit and in
Truth. I’m proud of you for taking your family to church. God is smiling down
upon you.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts
with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4 NLT).
No comments:
Post a Comment