Because He's Worth It
Sun 06 Jun 2010 Filed in: Reflections
Driving through this morning’s random drips on the way to church, I found myself idly wondering why I am doing this - “this” being going to church. It’s a habit, and I live in culture where most people aren’t in the habit of going to church. There was no resentment to my question; I simply hadn’t bothered asking myself why lately.
Lots of people have given up on church. They used to go, but they discovered their church was less than perfect - sometimes a lot less. I understand that. I have been in a lot of imperfect churches and even pastored a couple of them. People do stupid things. They become consumed with the organization; they treat it like a club; God gets lost; people get hurt and leave and don’t come back.
I’ve seen all of that, but I’m still a habitual church attender, and in this morning’s drizzle I pondered why. I love the people, but it is more than social need that keeps the habit alive. The relationship with Christ that began six decades ago gets fed when I worship, and worship is best done in community. Simply stated, I am doing this because He is worth it.
Lots of people have given up on church. They used to go, but they discovered their church was less than perfect - sometimes a lot less. I understand that. I have been in a lot of imperfect churches and even pastored a couple of them. People do stupid things. They become consumed with the organization; they treat it like a club; God gets lost; people get hurt and leave and don’t come back.
I’ve seen all of that, but I’m still a habitual church attender, and in this morning’s drizzle I pondered why. I love the people, but it is more than social need that keeps the habit alive. The relationship with Christ that began six decades ago gets fed when I worship, and worship is best done in community. Simply stated, I am doing this because He is worth it.