Well it's summertime! We made it! School is out and report cards are coming in! "How'd you do this year?" is being asked of students in carpool lines and kitchens across the country.
As we come to the close of Kindergarten in our family, it dawns upon me that grading doesn't stop with grade school. Think about it for a moment. In every arena of life, we're graded, aren't we?
Sometimes we can live with a good grade, or a bad grade. Sometimes we definitely want to get "high marks." Sometimes it just doesn't matter to us.
As school draws to a close and summer lays out the red carpet of relaxation, I want to challenge you to consider the grade you might get at church. Does it matter? Does it matter to God? In our modern mayhem of social philosophy, many have even begun to teach and believe that "going to church" is absolutely unnecessary... but is it? Why would we give our time and our tithe (10%) to a church... aren't we all part of one big global body of believers, anyway; and does God really care if I'm attending my church's worship service each week?
The answer is more simple than you might think. In the New Testament's Letter to the Hebrews 10:23-25, we are told,
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 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 you see the day drawing near." (NASB)
Hebrews is not only speaking into the context of early Christians, but early Jewish-Christians, who knew full well both the commandment and benefit of the Sabbath. In a world where new spin produces excitement, the Scripture just makes a clear statement that we are to be consistently present, engaged, and active at the gathering of the Saints... and yes, the Greek word for church is literally, "gathering," so this means church. At least once a week, breathing in together to encourage one another and worship the Lord together. Refreshing our resolve and commitment weekly with our time, our energy, our worship, and our giving.
By now I'm sure you get the idea. So what grade would you give yourself? Is it enough to be "C" or "D" level Christians when it comes to our attendance and investment? Is it enough to be a "B"?
Our's is not a religion of legalism, but of service out of gratitude. This summer... indeed this year, let us show our gratitude to the God who saves us. Come to church each week. Give freely of your energy and worship. Tithe according to how God is blessing you financially. Then go home, read your Bible, and step outside of your door each day to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with your neighbors!
See if God's pleasure doesn't rain down upon you as you seek to serve and please Him even in the simplest of things!
May the Peace of Christ overwhelm you!
Pastor John
Wow! I never thought about it this way. Summer school - eh?! I'm up for it!
ReplyDeleteGathering together is so important and it definitely fills a void within. Have you ever noticed people who fall out of church the "disconnection" they feel? Thats why people usually make "going to church" a new year's resolution! Reading scripture daily, tithing, prayer, and all those things are so exremely important but there is just a feeling of community that people longs for. I think that is why people feel in a funk when they fall out of church. Its a good thing we have a God who understands our need for community that he gives us church because if we didn't have that aspect of our walk we might have a less Christians in the world today.
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