Rise to the Occasion

The inception of 'rising to the occasion'!

Why I Go To Church Every Sunday

Why I Go to Church Every Sunday

                                                                                                                                                                              

On a few occasions, I have been asked why I attend church services each Sabbath day. Some have expressed that they don’t have an appreciation of organized religion and can accomplish the same kind of worship by spending some time out in nature, appreciating and worshipping God in peaceful solitude. I’ve responded with a few different answers, but wanted to assemble my thoughts in one place. So, why do I go to church on Sundays? Here’s some of my reasons, because for me, going to church weekly provides…

·         a consistent, reoccurring and intentional opportunity to feel the Spirit of God

·         a place where I receive the Sacrament – learning how to make and then keep commitments and covenants - then monitor progress and hindrances, and make necessary course corrections from week to week

·         an opportunity to hear others teach and pray – to hear what they’re thinking and about, their needs and concerns; it provides a chance to learn from others and how my talents and resources might be of help

·         an opportunity to hear and share testimonies of how God is involved in our life’s today

·         an opportunity to hear how the Scriptures are impacting other people and I can apply those insights to my life

·         a place where I can work on improving my moral character, integrity, charitability and other Christ-like virtues

·         an opportunity to learn new ways to bless my life and to bless others I care about

·         an opportunity to discover ways to improve my relationship with God and appreciate His Son, and understand His atonement and new ways that it can be applied to bless my life

·         a place where I can learn about God and His ways, and learn about the blessings that He has prepared for me and how I can qualify for them and find access to them

·         an opportunity to dedicate a specific amount of time each week to focus on spiritual things – to set apart meaningful time away from the temporal world it’s increasing earthly (not so positive) influences

·         help in making sense of this crazy world; it helps me strengthen all of my relationships; it helps me find the good in things; it helps me find answers to life’s major questions and find meaning and purpose in the challenges of life; it helps me have faith for a better tomorrow; it helps me see a brighter light in myself and in those around me; it helps restore my faith in humanity and in God's goodness and wisdom

·         a blessing to be reminded that spiritual priorities are an integral key to overall happiness and a balanced life

·         learning about how important the “RE” words are – renew, refresh, refine, repent, rejuvenate, replenish, restore, renovate, reconnect, reason, rejoice, recommit, resupply, refuge, reaffirm, reasoning, redeem, rescue, remember, reflect, reacquaint, reactivate, revelation, readjust, realize, reallocate, release, responsibility, respect, reassess, rebuild, reassure, rejoice, receive, and Redeemer (there are over 4000 of these “RE” words)

·         an opportunity to learn to sacrifice – because anything of intrinsic value requires some sacrifice

·         an opportunity to set apart some family time for spiritual growth, singing praises to and worshiping God

·         a needed rest from my labors as well as the cares of the world and the concerns of mortality

·         a way for me to learn how to better keep the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8)

·         a great way to be taught what heaven is like and why I want to go there with my family and loved ones

·         it helps me want to be a better version of myself

And, for me, these are all very good things.

Wm. Calvin Hughes  |  February 22, 2017  |  Lake Elsinore, CA

Good vs. Evil