Chuck Roots
28 November 2016
www.chuckroots.com
Why I Go to
Church
Today’s society is not a church-going
crowd. At least it seems that way to me.
Growing up in the 50s, going to
church on Sunday mornings was an activity many Americans engaged in. It was
expected, even required in some instances. Some businesses asked you what
church you attended as part of the employment evaluation. School teachers were likewise
expected to attend church if they were going to work in the school system
teaching young Americans.
My mother and father grew up attending
a little Methodist church in their home town of Marshall, Texas. After they
married in 1933, they moved to New York City. From what I can gather, church
quickly fell by the wayside. Later, after my mother married my step father,
they spoke often of attending church. So off we’d go on a Sunday morning to fulfill
some societal expectation, more than likely. We’d attend for two or three
weeks, then begin to miss going until we stopped altogether. My brother, sister
and I were always glad to see these church sprees end.
This was also a time in our nation
when divorce was still rare, and one did not discuss such a topic in polite
society. In fact, some families did not allow their children to play with me because
I was from a divorced family. It was not uncommon to have a teacher ask why my
last name was different from my parents’. Like I said, it was a different time.
In any event, I never got into the
habit of attending church. In fact, I was 24 years old when I surrendered my
life to Jesus. Only then did I realize that I needed to attend church.
If you will indulge me, I will list,
in no specific order, some of the reasons I find attending church not only
important, but essential in my life.
1. I am a traveler heading for Heaven. As
an old hymn says, “I’m just a
poor, wayfaring stranger.” Another says, “This world is not my home.” As a follower of Jesus, I know there’s
a better place waiting in Heaven. But as long as I’m here on planet Earth, I
need to be surrounded and embraced, literally, by others who are on this
pilgrim road as well. The people in my church are familiar to me. I was their
pastor for sixteen years. My wife and I love these folks, and we are loved by
them in return. This is why when I retired from the pastoral ministry a few
years ago, Isaura and I wanted to continue attending there, with the proviso that the new pastor was
comfortable having the previous guy hanging around.
2. I need encouragement and refreshing.
Living for Jesus is fraught with
challenges
regardless of where you live on this celestial ball. Coming together with
others who face life’s daily challenges allows us to draw strength from one
another, realizing we are not alone in the journey. As we grow in the Spirit,
we lift each other up through prayer, and sharing verses of Scripture, and a thoughtful and timely word
of encouragement. These weekly encounters in a designated place, such as the
church, opens up opportunities to gather together around the table to share a
meal, such as a church pot luck; or lunch at a nearby restaurant; or having
folks over for a home-cooked meal. After all, in Christ, we are all brothers
and sisters.
3. I need the blessing of worship. This
begins for me each Sunday
by singing
the old hymns. After finishing seminary, I was serving as youth pastor at a
church in San Jose. Our daughter, Laura, was about three at that time when one
of the men in the church asked her, “What
does your daddy do?” Laura spoke right up, saying, “My daddy wears a suit, and sings loud.” That about summed it up! And
it hasn’t changed. Singing, particularly the old hymns of the faith, is nourishment
to my soul, and gives life to my bones. I can never get enough of it. I serve
in the church on the worship team in both morning services. We have a great
time together.
4. I need the challenge from God’s Word.
I know one thing for sure:
Without the
teaching and preaching of God’s Word, I would surely shrivel up and die
spiritually speaking. Through pastors who faithfully proclaim God’s Word I am invigorated
because the Bible rings true in my soul, and I must align my life in accordance
with that word of instruction. At times, I am under the conviction of God’s
spirit, pointing out areas in my life that need his correction. Other times, I’m
simply enjoying God’s Word. I recount the many blessings I have enjoyed from
his gracious hand. Still other times, I am greatly encouraged by standing on
the promises of God.
5. I need the life of the church. I’m not
talking about a building. I’m
referring
to the people who are God’s church. Several times during the week we have the
opportunity to come together in fellowship. I’m comfortable coming into the
church because I am a sinner saved by God’s amazing grace. And I get to be with
other sinners who have experienced his amazing grace as well. I am far from
perfect, and so are we all. That’s why I need to be with others who know Jesus.
He’s the one who is perfect, and he leads imperfect people to Glory.
Believe me when I tell you this: You
want me to be regularly attending church. Why do I say this? Because when I begin
to ignore my walk with Jesus, my old nature has a way of worming its way back
into my life. Those things that plagued me before I accepted Christ have a
sneaky way of reappearing, such as impatience, a short temper, selfishness, a
foul mouth, and various and sundry sinful behaviors that need to always be
under the blood of Jesus. If I slip in my walk with the Master, (what used to
be called, “backsliding”) then I am not someone you would want to be around.
This is why at Advent Season, I am so
glad Jesus came some 2000 years ago. He came to save me from the ravages of sin
by dying on the cross. I will serve him because he loves me, and I love him. He
is the Head of the church, and that’s where I belong!
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