Why Do You Attend Church

I have been thinking a lot lately why people actually go to church. I see tons of people on Sunday morning heading to there choosen place of worship and I wondered why? Is it to get a word and encouragement for the upcoming week? Is it to see their favorite preacher? Are they attending to see friends or is it to serve God in every area of their lives?

Now what brought this thought on is because I have encountered so many people that leave there church home for some interesting reasons. Now, can you call a place your home and leave over simple things. If your toilet clog up at home you don't just pack up and leave. No you stick it out and fix the problem or call on the experts to fix it on your behalf. So why not allow God to give you patience to deal with church issues. Why not love the church body right where they are, just as Jesus did. Do you remember the fruit of the spirit, long suffering? No wonder people get a divorce quickly they don't know how to stick around over simple things, how can they maintain a marriage, but thats a topic for another day.

Here are some of the reasons I have heard personally why people left their church. “Well the church wanted to much of my time and I am not getting anything in return.” “The church is always asking me for money.” “He hurt my feelings and he is suppose to be a christian.” “I don't want to be around my ex-mate/friend.” Last but not least, “the pastor, first lady or other leaders in the church weren't there personally for me when I needed them and I give my money and time to the church.”

Now for the reasons I have received I have prayed for the individuals involved cause I know how it feels to go through each encounter but God has allowed me to see things differently and want me to share with you. You see, I don't go to church expecting perfection from people who are still a work in progress. This also includes the leaders of the house. The leaders are sheep, just as well as we are, following one shepherd (Jesus). I go to church for God, to build a deeper relationship with him, and corporate worship with my sisters and brothers. God allowed us the opportunity to base our walk on a foundation that is rooted in him rather than people in a church building (also remember the church is in you please). So stop judging your fellow christians please. Instead pray that God move in you and show you your flaws so you can work on the person in the mirror and love everyone in the body of Christ, no matter where they are in their walk. Then pray for your sisters and brothers that may have hurt your feelings, that God will get bigger in them.

Now this is not to judge anyone that have left the church for reasons above. I have expereinced the same things and more. I mean pain from people in church that made me cry and I wanted to flee. But God never gave me instructions to leave my church home instead he increase my duties to help me manifest the fruits of the spirit  (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance - Galatians 5:22-23) which Jesus instilled in me that day he died on the cross. When it all bowls down to it, it hurts me to see people leave and go from one church to the next because I know that they are not allowing God to teach them some important life lessons. The are running from a great lesson of enduring the pain. They are running from the true relationship with God, that can help them with every encounter they may have at church. So ask yourself right now, what is my reason for going to church and meditate on it.

Praying for you always

Love Freedom