Why Church? 1

Exodus 20:8

There’s a joke buzzing around through e-mails about a child who is asked if he knows why he is supposed to be quiet in church. “Because so many people are sleeping,” he says.

It’s amusing and, unfortunately, somewhat true. Many people find church services boring and tedious, so many, in fact, that we may sometimes ask, “Why church?” Why do we attend church? Or, at least, why do some people see a need to attend church, and why is church attendance emphasized by many?

The traditions and structures of many organized religions can be seen as archaic and pointless in today’s society. While there may be some merit to such a criticism and observation – many claiming the name of “Christian” use it almost as a shield against the outside world, embracing an elitist and separatist attitude – it is important to worship God.

After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses receives the Ten Commandments from God, the basics of good behavior, the foundation to a relationship with the Almighty. What is the fourth commandment?

This is a simple command. We are to take a portion of our time – one seventh – and make it holy to God. We do that by spending time worshiping God, honoring Him, praising Him, thanking Him for what He has done. Our holy time – our Sabbath – should be a time when we commune with our Lord.

Although the command says nothing about a sanctuary or altar or pews, it is the beginning of worship. It is the beginning of church. God has decreed that we have holy time set aside for Him.

A common response is that a person can worship God anywhere at any time. Church is not necessary. But I would first challenge those who make such a comment with the question – do you worship God anywhere and at any time? Or is this an excuse not to attend church?

Although the Ten Commandments do not address the corporate gathering of believers we have come to call “church,” God later decrees in Exodus 25:8 – “have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” This is the next step in what we call “church.”

We must set aside time to be with our God because our God desires to be with us, to dwell among us. Your place of worship can be a perfect place to find that time of togetherness with God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you make your Sabbath or worship time holy?