The enemy would love to isolate us and keep us from church. And he would love to at least get us sitting on the back row, slipping in late & slipping out early, and not be involved. I figure instead of hide in shame for what the enemy tries to do, let's just expose what he's up to & what God's got to say on it. The enemy knows who to use and what they need to do to get you offended to get out of church; or get you feeling unworthy to step foot in a church door. Maybe you've been called a hypocrite by fellow christians, or judged for your sin or the sin of your family. Maybe you've seen sin defended and truth rejected inside the church. Maybe you've experienced a church split. You're hurt. Maybe you've been corrected for something you've done and are feeling condemned. I know a few who have been put out of a church as well. Whatever it was, the enemy likes to get you doubting you should go to church at all.
Let's look at a parable Jesus shared:
“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other” (Luke 18:10–14).
Above, we read about two people at the temple or "church" Both believed in God, both went to church, both prayed. So, what's the difference in them? One acknowledged the sin of others, while one confessed his own. One acknowledged all his good works aloud, while one wouldn't didn't dare. One called out the other to make himself look righteous. One criticized others and one only criticized his own heart. One weighed himself by the standards of men to feel superior, while the other humbly judged himself only by God's standard. To sum it up, one was proud and one was humble.
Let me just confess. I've been both of the people in this parable above at different times. Unfortunately, the longer we're in church the easier it is to fit into the "culture of the church" and expect others to do the same, and if we're not careful we can judge others by our own standards. Meanwhile, we miss that God can do nothing in the midst of judgments, name calling and gossip. He moves where he's being praised, not where we praise ourselves, He moves where our flesh isn't being glorified, but his Son is. He resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We see how God wants us to be, but so many times in church we experience the opposite.
So, if you've been hurt in church, by church folk, why even bother? Why be a part of a fellowship of believers? Why is it encouraged in the Bible? Here's a few reasons:
Church is to fellowship & encourage one another: not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
We experience God's presence: For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20
We Receive Faith: So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
We have a spiritual covering: Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17
We experience the blessing that comes with unity of believers: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head,Running down on the beard,The beard of Aaron,Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon,Descending upon the mountains of Zion;For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore. Psalms 133:1-3
I recently heard someone say, "Church isn't supposed to be perfect, it's supposed to be a home". Our homes aren't perfect and we don't expect everyone in our home to be. We love, correct, nourish, teach, fellowship, forgive, and feel safe in our homes. It's where we can relax and be ourselves. Home is where we are accepted, where we grow. If you've been blessed to experience a loving home, bring that with you to the church. If you haven't known a loving home, then the church should be that home to you. Jesus is the head of this home.
So, I encourage you, come home. Yes, at some point, we're sure to be hurt by someone in our "home" and have to forgive, but learning that is part of growing up. Receive faith, the blessing, the covering, fellowship, encouragement, and God's presence. Know there's others hurting that need your fellowship, your encouragement, your testimony. Come home, be built up, encouraged and equipped, so you can go into the world, share Christ and invite others into God's family. See you at church!!
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