Church + You = Necessary
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Being a student, for a long time at that, I can attest to the necessity of going to class, and participating at a college where attendance is mandatory, and graded. I’ve found myself wanting to skip class often, not because I didn’t want to go, ok ok; definitely because I didn’t want to go. I felt capable of doing my work and turning it in on my own. I work best in online classes where I do my work on my own without going to class. Skipping class didn’t help me, and here I am about to finally graduate college in December. 3 years longer than I wanted to be in college.
Now, you’re wondering, how the heck does that happen? I got lazy. I became apathetic. I developed an attitude of not caring at all, because I didn’t want to work, or go to class. In the long run, I’ve spent probably enough money to pay for a master’s degree, and begin working on a doctorate.
You see, without going to class, I didn’t learn the material. I didn’t meet the requirements to pass the class, and I didn’t gain enough knowledge to be effective in testing and assignments. This translates well into the church world.
In a day where modern church is being shifted into small group settings and less important, the question arises, “Is it necessary to go to church? I can pray to God at home.” People become increasingly disconnected from church.
This disconnect does a few things: it distances you from community, it distances you from fulfilling your calling/role in the church body, and it distances you from those who will keep you accountable.
Heavy. I know.
First, you are designed for community. You are. I don’t care how much you say you dislike being around people, before long, you desire it and need it. Studies show people who are involved in some kind of community live longer. (heard that as a statistic recently, I haven’t researched it out, but it makes sense. If you disagree, post it, and we’ll discuss!) Community helps you get involved and helps with the gaining of knowledge of Jesus Christ. It helps develop Godly behavior, and encourages progression toward the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Second, you have a role within the body of Christ. As a Christian, you can do something no one else at your church an do like you do. You have something special to give and offer. The church isn’t after your money (at least those who are God focused, and not corrupted). Yes, the church runs and does business because of what you give and tithe. The church is after your skills in an effort to promote the Gospel. Again, it comes back to relation of the Gospel.
Finally, being involved helps keep you accountable. Your decision to be part of a community means responsibility. You are responsible to live according to your calling, and purpose. Yep, you guessed it, to relate the Gospel and bring others to the knowledge of the saving grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
So just like I can’t successfully navigate the world of College and graduate without being part of the class, you need to be involved in a local church body, to increase personal growth and invest in others.
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