Hey friends! I am so glad you are here. I want to discuss something that hits close to home for me personally and that’s attending church. So let’s just jump in and talk about it!
I have been a member of Spring Creek for a little over 10 years now. Before Spring Creek, I had been to several churches over the years but none I could call home. Once I found Spring Creek, I instantly loved it…and still do. But if I can be 100% transparent for a minute, there are Sunday mornings I don’t want to go. It’s not because I don’t like/love my church or the people in it. It’s not because I’m mad. Honestly, I am just tired 99.9% of the time. Either I am tired mentally, physically or both. And if I do go to church when I am tired, I don’t listen.
But some people are different. Some are not interested in going to church because they don’t see the point. “It’s just a building.” Some people are angry with God for various reasons. Some are just sad and they don’t want to go to church. And some people view it as a burden and not a blessing. And for them, it didn’t start out that way. So why is that?
Well, it could just be a season for you. It’s where you are in life. Meaning, are you single in your twenties or married in your thirties with three kids, divorced and starting over in your forties or retired in your sixties. Life is full of ups and downs and every age has unique challenges. I think Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 sums it up best. Your struggle with church may not be church…it could just be life for you right now. But here’s the kicker! Don’t get discouraged. This will not last forever. (Song of Solomon 2:11)
One reason I hear frequently is the hypocrisy in a church. Well, look. I get it. It is so easy to throw a stone at someone else’s glass house instead of looking in yours. My point is none of us is perfect. We are all sinners. If there is someone in the church whose sins are front and center, maybe that’s why they are front and center in the pew. The question you need to ask yourself is have you elevated your preferences above biblical principles and therefore, it’s robbing you of the joy of Sunday morning worship?
Sometimes it’s not you and it is the church. Churches have growing pains. Some are good and some are not good. Why would it not be good? Because it’s made up of imperfect people. And if your church is going through a time of trial, it would make sense why you are struggling. Here is where you need to make a choice. Do you stay and work through it or do you look for another church? Either way, Sundays will be challenging. No matter which challenge you chose, it is important you seek refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:8)
One reason you may not be enjoying it is because you are living in habitual sin. Again, we are all sinners, right? But this is someone who knows what they are doing is wrong yet they continue with the same behavior. Stealing money, looking at pornagraphy, mistreating your spouse, excessively drinking, etc. I view church like your parents. When you are doing wrong and you go home to visit, your momma and daddy is going to call you out. That’s their job no matter your age. Well, listening to sermons when you are habitually sinning feels like every sermon is about you and it’s uncomfortable! (Psalm 51:12)
Or lastly, it could be that you don’t know Jesus. And I know you are saying, “Well that’s silly! I’m at church!” Umm, that doesn’t mean you know Jesus. That doesn’t mean you are Christian. BUT, I am so glad you are at church! And look, no judgement here. But if you are not sure you are christian and need to talk it out, then let’s talk it out. I want you to experience living through Him (Ezekiel 18:32), know Him (John 17:3), love Him (Zephaniah 3:17), and enjoy Him forever (Matthew 25:23).
For me personally, it’s a season for me. How do I know? When I don’t go to church, people call and check on me. Not because they are nosey or messy, it’s because they love me. How do I know they love me? I feel it. They tell me. They make me feel valued even when I am tired. Whenever I don’t go to church, I feel like I am letting God down because I want to be there. And I am always worried I am letting my church friends and family down by not being there. But guess what? They always lift me up and support me when I need them. That’s why finding and going to church is important.
Love you all,
Jennifer
