Sunday is National Back to Church Sunday! "Who Needs the Church?"

 

 

Who needs the Church....

(I'm posting this from my cousin Rev. Lowell Churchill's weekly church newsletter with permission.  Lowell is the pastor of Henryetta, Oklahoma, Church of the Nazarene.)

I think many of us can relate to this scene from our childhood You’re sitting at the table looking down at the green beans on your plate. You then look up at your parents and ask that deep question on your mind. “Why do I have to eat these green beans?” It is then that your parent gives you an equally deep answer, (say it with me) “Because they are good for you.”

Now let’s visit another childhood scene. The whole family is packed into the family car and you’re on your way to church. Once again that ‘deep’ question comes out of your mouth. "Why do we have to go to church?" Again, you get that same answer, in pretty much the same words, “Because it’s good for you.”

We all know there are few things that people agree on these days, but I have recently noticed a general consensus about at least two things: People are recognizing that violence is a growing problem and that smoking truly is a health hazard. Even the US government has come out with programs to oppose them.

A couple of recent surveys show, however, that the government may not be the best place to find answers for these two problems. In an issue of the Family Research Report, one study indicated that those who attend church regularly smoke less than the general population. Likewise, churchgoing was seen as a key characteristic of violence-free families. Hmm, maybe our parents were right?

Merely walking through church doors, of course, does not change us. But the truths taught in the church, as well as the encouragement from other believers, do affect us (1 Th. 5:14-22). We can worship God, grow in our walk with Him, and surround ourselves with others who love Him. These are great motivators to do what is right.

Attending church does not make us perfect. But following God’s teaching and worshiping the Lord will certainly go a long way toward making us better. This Sunday is ‘National Back to Church Sunday.’ If you have been lax about church attendance, or you don’t attend at all, this would be a great opportunity to attend church. Who knows, you might even decide that it is actually ‘good’ for you?

Think about it!
Pastor Lowell Churchill