via TJC
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.“ Hebrews 10:23-25
Note: I am using some ideas from scriptures, personal experience, and some “intellectual plagiarism”. Some things, when absolutely tested and true, bear repeating.
I used to hate getting up and going to church. Understand, it wasn’t the “body of Christ” that I hated. It wasn’t the Trinity itself that I despised or even the liturgy… or was it? It just wasn’t a priority. After all, in my line of work, I never got to sleep in unless it was on a Sunday morning. What purpose would it serve if I went through the motions like a zombie, never absorbing what was said or done… right?
Wait… back up to that line, “It just wasn’t a priority.” Let’s be honest here. With most of us, the question is not “Why is local worship and involvement important?”. It’s actually “Why is this not important enough to me?” That comment was not made to induce guilt or shame. Rather, God’s word is very obvious in encouraging us to seek out other believers with whom we can commune and fellowship, pray, and share the love of Christ.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
In my 63 years, I have not discovered a secret formula to consistency in local church involvement. I still have times when I am less than enthusiastic about going to worship.
Here’s what I have discovered:
The more I learn about the Lord, the more I want to worship Him.
When we spend time with our church family, we are strengthened and encouraged.
God continually presents opportunities to grow when we spend time with “family”.
I’ve met more people whom I trust in my church than anywhere else in my life.
The local church is where we learn how to let Jesus love us.
People are never 100% faithful… but God our Father is.
God loves you… period. That in itself is a good enough reason to go worship Him.
Always look for a church with the above qualities.
Daily Battle Order:
As Kingdom Men in The Joshua Commission, we need only to look to our creed for a reason to make local church involvement a huge priority. Every line of the TJC creed needs reinforcement from a trusted “family”, and that family can be found in a loving, Biblically grounded local body of believers. Pray for the wisdom and guidance from God to place you in a Christ-centered local church.
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