This Sunday, many of us will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by attending church—on time. We’ll oust our kids from their beds, fill tummies, scrub faces, smother cowlicks, button collars, fluff dresses, pull on tights, buckle-snap-clip all manner of accessories, and rush—but carefully!—to the car and on to church. We will ooh and aah over the children, greet friends and strangers, worship God, and realize all over again how good and gracious God has been to us.

 

But the next Sunday? Many of us will be on the mattress seam. Roll out of bed? Or just roll over? Why should I go? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:

 

Reasons to Go to Church

 

1. The Bible Tells Me So

Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so. The Bible also says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” (Hebrews 10:25) For me, this is all the reason I need. Why read the Bible, if I’m not going to follow it? Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching…He who does not love me will not obey my teaching…” (John 14:23-24) If God wants me meeting with other believers, then I will be involved at church as long as I’m able. And even when I’m not able, I’ll be the old lady calling the church asking for a handsome young man to give me a ride. 😉

 

2. Experience God

The Bible says God rewards those who earnestly seek him (Heb 11:6). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come to church seeking God and then been astounded when the sermon is about the exact topic I’m going through. As if the pastor knew my story. Only it was God who knew. I’ve also been encouraged by God’s presence and supernatural peace and joy during worship. I come to worship God, and it seems that when I do, he changes me. Did I mention miracles? I’ve experienced some, and they’re pretty inspiring. Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

 

3. Community & Lifelong Friends

My best and longest friends have all come from church. As a girl and teenager, I had my best friend encouraging me to make right choices and follow God. She told me not to cuss or get drunk because God says not to in the Bible. I told her not to give her heart away to the boys she dated and to keep God first. I want the same for my kids as they grow up in an even tougher world than I did.

 

Because of church, my husband and I have lifelong friends we laugh with, share our secrets with, and share life with. In my experience, friendships can go much deeper when you have a shared love for the Lord. It’s also nice to know older couples. I’ve benefited greatly (and for free!) by asking older couples I’ve come to know and admire for counsel on marriage, parenting, etc. When we stick with people, we see their lives, we develop community, and we can encourage each other on the journey.

 

So, church attendance is a good thing, right? But as with many good things, there are obstacles. Let’s examine three of them:

 

Reasons Not to Go to Church

 

1. I’m Tired

Yes, it’s true. But that doesn’t stop me from rising any other day of the week. I need to go to bed earlier. Or sometimes I just go tired. Better to have a tired body than a tired soul.

 

2. I’ve Been Hurt by the Church

Also true. But here’s a little newsflash for myself: I’ve hurt people, too. Ouch. I’ve hurt my husband; he’s hurt me. My parents have hurt me. I’ve hurt them. There are some people from church who’ve hurt me, and I’ve hurt some of them. Hurt is a part of life. I have to ask God to help me forgive and get through it. Even though they sometimes hurt me, I still enjoy my marriage, my parents, and my church. All relationships require forgiveness.

(Of course if the church is abusive or unbiblical—get out!)

 

3. The Church has Hypocrites

Yes. Some people turn out to be hypocrites (that’s why I ultimately put my trust in God and not people), but that is true at work, school, and everywhere. It doesn’t have to stop me from obeying God and enjoying the benefits of church. When I come across a hypocrite, I try to pray for them and be kind. And if I come across one when looking in the mirror—as I sometimes do—I ask God to forgive me and change my heart.

 

What about you? What do you love about your church? Do you ever struggle to get there? What keeps you going?

 

Haven’t found a church that feels like home? I pray God will lead you to just the right place.