Reasons to Go to Church, pt. 3

Most of the places we go are for us.  We go to the grocery store to get what we need.  We stop at the gas station because our vehicle needs gas.  We go to the theater to be entertained by a movie.  We gather with friends to enjoy their company.  Even church falls into this category.  We go to church to find encouragement and fellowship and to connect with God.  These are very legitimate reasons to go to church.  God designed Christian fellowship to meet some of our most important needs.  It would be a struggle to attend a church that offered a miserable experience.

But there’s more to church than meeting your own important needs.  Church doesn’t exist just for you.  Your existence is also for the church.  The church needs you much the same as you need the church.  Every Sunday you attend, you make a contribution to God’s family.  It’s not just how you give money or serve, but simply by being present.  The fact that you are present on a Sunday is important to someone in our church family.  Your presence is a source of encouragement to your sisters and brothers.  And who knows but that God might have a kind word for you to speak, a guest for you to welcome, or a hug for you to give someone?  Yes, you need the church in your life.  But the church needs you too.