The Hard Work of Going to Church

No matter how much online teaching, book reading, and physical training a person does, we would not expect good fighting from a soldier who hasn’t trained with a unit, nor a sailor who rarely is on a boat, nor a crew chief who doesn’t get hours in the air.

But somehow, we think a Christian can fight spiritual battles without a church.

We often make excuses to skip out on the assembly. Sometimes it seems too difficult. We can’t find one where we “fit in” when we move to a new town. It’s exhausting to do the hard work of building relationships after a long week of having to deal with people. We might be trying to heal from times when church people have wrongly wounded us. We must prove ourselves all over again in a new congregation to begiven certain responsibilities, like teaching. We have to keep being vulnerable, putting ourselves out there, to people who may or may not seem to care if we come.

It’s easier just to sit on the couch each Sunday morning and watch an online service.

Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.

Hebrews 10:25 (CEV)

In an admonition to persevere, the writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us to come together to worship and encourage one another. In order to be an effective part of the mission strategy, we have to train with our battle buddies. Usually it’s because we need it, but it’s also for their good. We are encouraged; we encourage others. And God meets us there.

To fight the good fight, to avoid us and our children drifting away from the faith, we must go into combat with a team. We need the regular huddle to know the game plan and to be encouraged for the week. So, herd the family into the car. Do the hard work of getting to church.

Pray

God, forgive us. We’ve made church about our likes and dislikes, our ease and our entertainment. You know the difficulties we face, but we want to worship you. Help us to find a church home for every duty station. May we be blessed and be a blessing. Amen.

Time to Talk

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What do you like about church? Why is church important? How can you serve in your church home?

Keep It Going

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 84:1-2

Acts 2:42

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Tonia Gutting wrote this devotional for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your military family, check out our website. www.myherosquad.org.