Reminders: The Cure

Three pastors were having lunch together.  One said, “I've been having trouble with bats in my church balcony.  I've tried everything––noise, spray, cats, but nothing seems to scare them away.”  Another said, “Me too.  I’ve got hundreds living in my belfry.  I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go away.”  The third pastor said, “I baptized and confirmed all of mine, and I haven't seen one since!”

“The cure” might not work for bats, but it seems to work for some people.  Pastors often complain that even though they have done their best to help young people see the importance of regular church attendance, young people sometimes think they have graduated from church, once formal lessons are over. 

While it is true that going to church is not the way to achieve eternal life, it is an important part of learning to grow as a Christian.  Even if church services sometimes seem boring and repetitious at times, there is something to be said for taking time out on a Sunday to gather with other believers and spend time contemplating what is important in life. 

Having a church family, where everyone is concerned about fellow members, can be a life affirming feeling.  The sense of belonging can literally fill that homesick emptiness we sometimes feel when life gets overwhelming.  Having people around us who will pray with us about the problems we face can help lift the burdens we carry. 

What we sometimes forget is that though God promised to be with us always, no matter where we are, He also wants us to come to Him.   “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” James 4:8  

It’s true that we don’t have to be in church to feel close to God, but there is something about being in a place of worship with other people who believe in God and are grateful for what he has given us that helps us remember the verse we leaned as children: “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have eternal life.” John 3:16