A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post called "Fire Starters". I don't usually share my blog posts on our church Facebook page but I felt led to share that one. Afterwards, I started beating myself up because I spoke about some things that happened in church. I was worried that someone might interpret that as a negative message about what they would find inside. I might have even given the devil an opportunity to have a field day with it; by keeping new people from wanting to come and by upsetting the people that currently attend.
In the time since that post, I have thought more and more about how easy it is to be offended. We don't like what someone says, or a particular message that was given, the way the choir sings, the uncomfortable pews, the temperature of the building or blah blah blah... There is just too much stuff to not like, if we stop to think about it.
I might have gotten upset when someone made a comment to me (refer to the other post). In hindsight, it was such a catalyst for me to get real about my faith. I took it straight to God and he really put me in my place. "Are you coming to church for the people or for me?" In so many ways, I can't help but be thankful for that one moment. (And countless other moments in my life that initially made me uncomfortable).
I didn't like it. It didn't stroke my ego. If I had given that one spark the room to ignite; I might have never settled down at any church. If I didn't let God convict me and then make a decision to commit no matter how I felt, then I would have missed out on meeting some pretty incredible people inside it.
If I got mad enough to walk away, I might not have seen 2 of my 3 children baptized so early in life or I would've missed the blessing of hearing my preacher sing from the pit of his soul, the opportunity to be a part of some mission opportunities right here in my own community, and the gift of belonging to a purpose.
I pray to be a strong woman of faith and to have a big, strong family right there with me. I pray to have good Christian friends and that somehow I can make a difference in the life of another. When I first started praying those prayers, I was not where I am now. Although I am not perfect by any means, God has been able to answer some of those prayers, simply by my willingness to be obedient. -Even when it hurt. How many times in life do we allow offenses to cheat us from the glory that awaits us, if we would just push through?
And no, you don't need to come to church to prove that you believe in God or even to find him. But at some point, doesn't faith require us to get over ourselves? True worship is selfless. It's not what a church can do for us, or what we think that we can do for God but a recognition of who we are called to be in Christ and coming forward to find our position.
Church is one of the greatest spiritual weapons that you can have.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
and
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
No matter where you are in your faith, I encourage you to cultivate your desire to know God and to discover the power of church. Don't stop once you hit the doors. If sitting in the back is getting comfortable then move a little closer to the front, or come again on another day, or even sign up for an activity inside. The closer that you get to the heart of it, the more you will realize how much it is exactly what you have been looking for.
You might not be able to come to Providence but there is a church somewhere that is has been waiting for you. Choose one and then keep coming back. If you'd like to come to Providence, we'd love to have you. Our services are at 9:00 and 10:30.
Revelations 2:10 Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
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