They (the people who study this stuff) say the top 3 reasons people don't go to church are: It's boring...it's irrelevant & all they want is your money. I believe that's their reasons - but understand the people they are talking about are people that don't go to church...IE those that have never been or that don't see church as a part of their life. The people they are NOT talking about are the ones that either go (somewhat) or used to go & for whatever reason don't now - yet know they need to.
That group probably doesn't go to church for a different set of reasons...yet, any or all of the 3 above could still be on the list.
Why do "church" people not go to church?
1 - Lazy. Once you get out of the habit of getting up on a Sunday (or preparing to get up on Saturday) it's tough to get back in the habit. Especially when you work a lot...feel like Sunday is your "only day off"...or something like that. I was here for sure...once I got out of the habit - I didn't do anything but roll over on Sunday mornings...wake up sometime later & go eat at Cracker Barrel....justifying it partly because after all - we ate as a family & had a good time...as if that was an equal replacement for going to church. Also, I think it's easier to not go to church - once you have convinced yourself & others in your life - that you are "just not getting anything out of going there".
2 - A life of Extremes. What I mean is - I see people all the time who are very sporadic in going to church. They miss going, for however long...then when all hell breaks loose they "are getting back in church". Only to not make it a lifestyle...& they go right back to not going - again. To me this is like going to the gym about once every 4 - 6 weeks & really working out hard - to catch up of course...then when you are so sore - you decide to not go because after all - it's hard work...then sometime later - you realize you need to go - so ya do...once...extremes.
3 - Not seeing it for what it is meant to be. We typically see church as an event...something to attend on Sunday...as opposed to the group of people that make that particular church home. Going to church should be more than an event in our life...it should be a full blown living organism rather than an organization. Church should be about the people there & the God that shows up to meet with them each Sunday. When we reduce it to "going to church" - seriously, who wants to do that? I don't! If church is nothing more than that - no one needs it.
4 - "I'm not getting anything out of it". Really? 1st - if that's true 1 of 2 or 3 things are also true then. 1 - you are in a dead church...leave, knowing God will guide you to a place of life... 2 - you are there, by God's direction, to help it become a life giving source... 3 - Something is wrong somewhere...pray! God cares about it more than you do...so asking Him to help is key. If it's not true - then you are missing something big time, & truth is, you are full of it...& have become so dead (jaded) to what's going on that you are in serious trouble spiritually. What would it be that you need to get over...ask for forgiveness for...what's the story in your life that has you stuck...feeling like "I don't get anything out of this".
5 - I got hurt. Obviously, I understand that one...but the truth is, you can't allow a past hurt or breech of trust or...whatever it might be...to stop you from pursuing God's plan for your life...AND his plan includes you being a part of a local church.
6 - It's not the same. Again, if you can't make it work "there"...then ask God where He wants you to go, but don't quit looking until you find a place to call home again...I promise He has one for ya.
7 - I watch TV for my church. I love a couple TV pastors too...but they don't know me at all...never have - probably never will. They have never reached through the TV set & gave me a hug...high five...hand shake...nothing personal - they just can't be their when I need them to be...for they are not my pastor. God designed a church to be there for the good & the bad...we will all need both from time to time.
8 - They talk about money too much. Agree - there are some places that put too much emphasis on money...but it's also true, if those that call that church home, would give like they are meant to - the talk would disappear. Church costs money to run...just like anything else going on in the world. God has a financial plan for it...we all need to handle this area accordingly.
Listen, church is God's idea. He created it to be a place where He meets with people - just like you & me...to do incredible things there. The local church is God's hope for the world. It's the hospital...It's the beacon in the dark...It's the place where love should be shared...It's the place where we find grace...hope...love...whatever each of us need to face this world & win.
I've said it a few times in these writings - there are no perfect churches...But, there are churches that are real...where God is able to meet with the people there & do incredible things in their lives.
An old saying says "if you want to catch fish - look for the fisherman with the bending rods". If you are looking for a church to attend - at least go to one that looks like something Christ would be a part of if He were picking a church...for truth is - He's already there!
No matter what you're reason for not going to church - realize finding a church to be a part of is far more important than you think...
in love
b
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