This is a question that people need to ask themselves. Most who don’t go to church could identify several reasons they don’t, but can those who go provide a sound argument for attending? Have they reflected long enough to determine their motives? As with any spiritual discipline, motive is more important than action.

It seems that most Westerners who identify themselves as “Christian” operate with the assumption that attending a church service holds intrinsic value. They believe that the act of sitting among a congregation within earshot of a sermon is a discipline that will be rewarded in heaven. They’ll sit through a service unhappy about being there. They’ll watch the clock in boredom hoping the service gets out in time to beat the rush at their favorite restaurant. Their only interaction is with the attendance sheet. “Check. I was here.” You know someone like this. This may be you.

For these people, the sacrifice of going to church is a good deed – it’s what you should do. It’s right above exercising, flossing and putting shopping carts back in the corral. Think about it – how many (more…)