I get paid to show up to church so it’s not really a choice for me. I realize that there are a lot of things in life that demand our time, but let me tell you three reasons why I would make worship a priority even if it wasn’t my job.
ONE: It’s good for me. What we do in worship is essentially stand up and say, “God, you’re good; and I need your help.” We come at it from different angles and say/sing/whisper/pray it in different languages, but it’s always the same: God, you’re good; and I need your help.
It’s the most honest thing any of us will ever say. And it’s good for me to say this often. It keeps God up front where God belongs.
TWO: It’s good for us. It’s good for the group when I’m involved and that’s true no matter who says it. We have all been made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26) but I know for a fact that I can only reflect a piece of that image. My set of gifts, talents, mistakes and personality quirks let parts of God shine through to the group in a unique way. And so do yours. You can express God’s presence in ways I can’t. You know things about God no book can teach me, because it has to do with how God is making YOU more like Jesus. I can only know that grace if you show up. And If I show up. We all need to show up.
THREE: It’s good for them. When someone new walks in the door, who will they meet? Will they meet people who are honest enough to wear “God, you are good; and I need your help” on their face? Will they meet a room where God’s image is reflected in all kinds of different ways through all kinds of different people? Will they meet the God who welcomes them, offers them a seat and tells them they’re home? They will, if we show up.
So let me challenge you with this: Go to church. If you’re not on vacation or sick, go worship on Sunday morning (or whenever your church meets). It’s good for you, it’s good for the people around you and it’s good for the people who don’t know yet that God has more for them.
Very Good Read!