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
