In different conversations I have had in the last couple of weeks the changing social perception of going to church has changed. At one point in time people were expected to go to church and be part of a religious community. If you did not go to church, you would be asked what was wrong with you. Now if you go to church some people will ask what is wrong with you. In the first instance going to church helped with your social standing while in the second it seems like it is impeding being part of society.
I realize this is an extreme generalization but it raises a question why should you go to and be part of a church?
If it is completely dependant on what others think then it will depend on who and when the question was asked because the view has changed. But the why we should be addressing comes from Jesus who said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV. We also have to recognize that Jesus brought together people to learn and grow together and to support each other as Jesus supported them.
Are we part of church for ourselves or for our love of Jesus? Are we looking for approval or seeking to be faithful? Faithfulness is huge. If it wasn’t for God’s faithfulness we would not be here, we would not have hope, we would not know what God’s love really looks like. Being part of the church, not just a church is suppose to be life changing not just something that we can change. As a follower of Jesus being part of the ‘Church is not an option, it is a necessity. Being part of the church is a matter of life and walking with Jesus. Jesus showed us through his compassion and grace how the Church can and will flourish.
