Have you ever read some of the racy stories in the Bible? Oh yes, they are in there! Like in 2 Samuel 11 when David decides to take a little stroll on his palace rooftop and sees a beautiful woman bathing and he sends for her. I am sure you could imagine what happens next, but don't take my word for it. Read the story for yourself. The Bible is definitely not boring, so neither should church be!
Church is supposed to be a place where we learn about these stories. The Bible is our example of people's lives we can learn from, both what we should mimic and mistakes that we should know not to repeat. Church should first and foremost be based on the Bible and encourage that we read and study these stories on our own, both the cheerful and the messy ones.
Church should also be a place that is fulfilling. When leaving church, we should feel empowered and filled up, not shamed and defeated. There may be moments of conviction when we look inside and realize our sin, but leaving feeling beat up and put down is the opposite of love. We gather together to strengthen each other and grow in relationship with Christ. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24
I do think people give up on church because of negativity or feeling wronged by something or someone there. I encourage you don't give up! Search for a new one. Churches are made up of different denominations and atmospheres for a reason. We all connect and feel comfortable in different ways so it's a good thing we have so many options! I know it can be scary trying a different church, trust me I have been there. I know how intimidating it is to walk through the doors of a church that is different than you have ever experienced before. It truly could be the best decision you make in life.
Church should make you feel whole and alive! If you are going to church just because you are "supposed to" and you are sitting there daydreaming of what to put on your grocery list, I am telling you, you are missing out. Sunday's should be so much more than that!
One of my favorite sayings is "we don't know what we don't know." Sometimes we don't know what we are missing out on until we have experienced the other side. When you do walk in and feel hope and love, you know you are in the right place. You will know exactly what I am talking about. I have gone to church my entire life. Up until I felt wronged and the conviction set in to try a new church, I had no idea that I was missing the Christ-centered wholeness the right church could bring. Something you can only understand once you have had the experience. Sundays are now my favorite day of the week, because I get to go to a place I love that fills me up like nothing else can.
I encourage you, if you are not feeling like church is a comforting place that makes you feel whole and loved and alive, then maybe it is time to try a new one. Reach out to a friend, see where they go. Ask me, I will help you find a place that makes you feel welcomed like you should. Church should be anything but boring, rather fun and exciting and uplifting! A place you can take your family that encourages love like the Bible does. A place that you just can not wait to go back to!
So my question for you today is "how does your church make you feel?" Are you yawning at the thought of it or are you beyond excited to go back?