![@[696483709:2048:Derek Maul] - the precipice](https://i0.wp.com/derekmaul.blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/dsc_00551.jpg)
Around 5:35 this morning, heading down the road for Scout’s early morning walk, I thought about why I force myself out of bed so early just to get to church. What is it that’s so special about Sunday morning worship to go to so much trouble… when I could still be sleeping?
It’s a good question. And the answer – in part – has me going back to a verse from Act chapter 4 that I shared when I was speaking Friday evening. The context is Peter and John getting thrown out of the Temple after being locked up for talking about Jesus. “We have to let you go,” the authorities said, “but we’re telling you not to come around here talking about Jesus anymore.” Peter and John shot right back with this, “You can make up your own minds about what’s right; but as for us, we can’t help but continue to talk about what we’ve seen and heard.”
That’s pretty much the bottom line for me. I can’t help myself! Showing up at worship on Sunday morning is the most natural thing in the world, because my relationship with God is such an undeniable reality.
Some people believe that having a relationship with God is an optional, post market, or “add-on” element to life. As if it didn’t really matter either way. Just personal preference. But that’s simply not true. We were all created exactly for relationship with God. It’s the primary reason we exist. When we opt out of a spiritual life, then we’re opting out of a key part of what makes us who we are.
So I didn’t get up early this morning because I’ve chosen Christianity as part of my life; I got up early this morning because God has chosen me. I can’t help myself.
My invitation to those of you who don’t believe, or don’t really care, is this: Come to church and you will begin a journey of discovery, and wonder, and joy that opens up the world to you! Don’t miss out on getting in touch with the very reason you exist.
Once you meet Jesus, then you won’t be able to help yourself!
First Presbyterian Church of Brandon meets for worship at 8:30 and 11:00, every Sunday morning – DEREK
First off brother, i want to thank you for the wisdom and the encouragement that this post brings to the Body of Christ in seeing ‘meeting together’ as important and foundational in our Walk with Christ. i do have a few further ideas for consideration though when speaking of ‘church attendance’ as relationship with God..
what about the other 6 days? can relationship with God and Christ Jesus only happen at a particular place, day or event?
the reality is that we ‘go to church’ to meet and have relationship with ‘The Church’ and as a gathering, we Behold the Lord together. and that can and should be done every day, in every place and in every way believers meet together or just experience Jesus in the midst of Ordinary Life, Ordinary Places and Ordinary Events.
our path that my wife and I have taken for awhile now is in seeking relationship with the Body of Christ without becoming stuck on a particular Place or Day or Event as we feel this would lead us to treat ‘the rest’ of the days, places we meet, and events we do together as somewhat ‘less inspired’ and Holy.
“wherever there are two or three, there I AM in the midst”
It’s not my purpose to offend or rebuke, but only to open up my heart. thanks again for the opportunity to contribute.
mike
Well of course! But I don’t think anyone could read me and not see our relationship with God as an every-day experience. It’s pretty-much the whole point of this “Life-Charged Life” blog.
That said, there’s something special about gathering together for worship as the body of Christ that is a key element in a spiritual life that is growing and maturing.
brother derek, as i said, i meant no offense. just a possible contribution to the conversation. blessings
mike
Still defining my story- Thank you for your contribution today. I sometimes wonder what motivates me to serve each Sunday. I LOVE worship! “I just can’t help myself.” Being part of something bigger than ourselves is freedom.
Thanks, Joy.
Great to hear from you!