Church…what does that word mean to you? What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear, or see, the word “Church?” Does the word stoke positive emotions… negative reaction…lukewarm “blah feeling?” A chore to check off the weekly list? A routine? Dread?
Does the thought of Church excite? Rejuvenate? Is their a feeling of anticipation as Sunday morning nears?
Each of us has the same 24 hours in a day. Each of us must decide how to allot that time. Often, we prioritize. Things get pushed aside or shoved out completely. We cannot make more time.
We skip meals. We miss the gym. We postpone appointments. Reschedule meetings of all kinds. We are constantly juggling and re-prioritizing.
We miss dinner with family. Skip a doctor’s visit. Feel too tired to go to a family get together, birthday, or wedding.
See, we can skip a meal…we will eat again. We can miss the gym…we can workout tomorrow. We can catch up on the missed meeting.
Dinner with family…we may miss that special moment of fellowship and conversation. Doctor visit…we may miss that needed advice or diagnosis. Wedding, birthday, family reunion…we miss those special moments.
Not all priorities are the same. And likely, we handle each moment and event in our life as such. If someone invites us to come over and watch the football game at the same time as our brother’s wedding…well, we’re going to the wedding (right? lol)
We try our best to put certain decisions at the top of the list with the mindset of “hardly anything” can take it off the list of must-do’s.
Now, remember that word “Church?” Where is that on your list? Do you push things out of your 24-hour circle for Church? Should anything need to be pushed out? Should Church stand alone in priority?
Do we think of Church as “missing out” like we do other key moments in life? Do we think of missing out on a participatory experience that can shape our Spiritual lives?
Do we think of Church as standing side by side with my brother, or my sister, in Christ? Do we think of Church as praising and Worshiping Jesus with our family? A weekly (at least I pray) family reunion?
Hebrews 10:24-25 speaks on gathering together beautifully, “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as your see the day drawing near.”
Do we think about what it means to gather together with the saints (fellow believers in Jesus) of the Church? Do we think God places events and “to-do’s” in our life more important than gathering for Worship? Do we think God says, “I know your tired today, no need to praise and Worship today…rest is more important?” Do we think God would say, “Of course that youth football game is more important than gathering with your family of believers?”
Do we ever say to ourselves, “If it’s challenging for me to gather with the saints of the Church down here, do I want to gather together for eternity with the saints in Heaven?” Do we prioritize things of the world over Heavenly treasures?
I know I have rattled off several questions. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” (Paul’s question, not another one from me)
Jesus loves His Church. Jesus loves us. Jesus indwells the hearts of those who seek Him and believe. Jesus loves those who place their Trust and Faith in Him and His Holy Word. Jesus loves when His family gathers together in Praise and Worship.
Church is not a priority…Church is the Light of our Hope and Faith being lived out with our family.
I would love to speak with anyone seeking a relationship with Jesus. I would love to speak with anyone that has questions about Church.
Blessings,
Pastor Jason
