Have You Given Up on Church?

Do you know anyone that has given up on going to church? Perhaps they say it is just not for them or maybe they had a bad experience that has not easily been forgotten. I recently received an email from an individual that said he has given up on organized religion. He stated his views are similar to Thomas Jefferson in that he believed in God but not in the church bureaucracy. Merriam-Webster defines bureaucracy as “a system of administration marked by officialism, red tape, and proliferation.” It would be interesting to know how many people quit attending church because of those three things.

Let’s put all the red tape aside and focus on the real reason we should go to church. Isn’t it really to feel good about ourselves? I hope you said “No” to that statement. The real reason is to worship God. Psalm 122:1 says “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” I can honestly say that when I wake-up on Sunday morning, I’m actually excited to go to church. I’m expecting God to show up as I do my best to honor and glorify His name. I have an intense desire to know Him better and love Him more everyday knowing that He created me for the very purpose of having fellowship with Him.

In addition to worshipping God, there is also a significant amount of fellowship taking place with other Christians. Romans 1:11-12 says “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” We should be excited to see our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ so we can encourage them in their faith and keep them in our daily prayers. They should also hold us accountable for how we are living our lives and vice versa.

I sincerely believe God created the church for a specific purpose. Romans 12:4-5 says “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” The church is the body of Christ. It is where we discover our spiritual gifts and determine how to best utilize them to have the greatest impact on the kingdom of God. As your spiritual gifts are discovered, a bright light shines on the meaning of your existence on this Earth. When your purpose is clearly defined, the days of chasing empty pursuits fade away.

If you are looking for the perfect church, it is going to be a long, frustrating search. Not one is perfect but the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is important to attend a church where Jesus is honored, the Bible is taught and fully believed, and everyone is welcomed. I encourage you to not lose hope of finding the church God desires more than anything for you to attend. If your attitude is right and your heart is open, you will constantly find new horizons appearing and doors opening as you follow His will and way.

Your Brother in Christ,

Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40

"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"

Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit www.playingforjesusministries.com.