Why won’t more people attend church regularly? I hear a lot of excuses:
“I’m too busy.”
After hearing one of these excuses, I often ask: “Do you believe in God?”
“Oh, yes,” they reply. “I’m just not ready to go back to church.”
For years, my excuse for not attending church was, “I work six days a week in a suit and tie. I just want to sleep-in, relax and read the paper. Why should I dress up again on my only day off?” Truthfully, I just did not feel any great need to be in church. Obviously, my situation changed but why?
Zig Ziglar a well-known motivational speaker and author, literally sold me on the benefits of becoming a Christian and attending church now instead of putting it off until later. Zig described the local church as the body of Christ showing me a piece of Heaven today, not just when we die. What is that piece of heaven? What are those benefits of attending church? I thought you would never ask:
Longer life: Insurance studies show regular church attendance adds 5.7 years to your life.
Peace: There is a special peace of mind knowing God will always be there, no matter what.
Purpose: It’s exciting to know God has a special purpose for your life and mine.
Courage: God will give you courage and strength to make ethical and moral stands.
Love: Learning to love others the way God loves you is a source of happiness and comfort.
Forgiveness: Learning to forgive yourself and others can literally heal your body and your soul.
This is just the short list, but what a picnic basket full of luscious promises! You live longer and manage your financial resources more efficiently. You enjoy peace of mind. You receive supernatural courage to take a stand. You experience the breathtaking love of God and obtain the healing medicine of forgiveness.
Why do we need to go to church? “Because the church is still the best way to strengthen your relationship with God and with others, find your life’s purpose and receive those special benefits.”
My attitude changed. I found church to be the place where I would be strengthened for my walk with God during the other six days of the week. I couldn’t wait for Sunday.
Let’s face it. You do need the church and the church definitely needs you.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.