My Daily Pause

Those that possessed spiritual gifts were not only misusing them, they seemed to esteem the ones that were least important the most. (1 Corinthians 12-14) While there is a personal growth aspect that needs to be attended to, Paul’s point was that they needed to focus on building up the church first.

Remember that the church is Christ’s body and our goal is to become one in that body. As we begin to turn out mind toward our next worship service, let’s plan to participate in a way that builds up the church, striving to become mature in our thinking and infants in evil (1 Corinthians 14:20)

There are a few excuses for missing church that keep getting recycled.

Today I have an answer for them.

1. Because no one invited you . . . People go to a lot of places uninvited, and even pay to get in. (Consider this your invitation!)
2. Because of hypocrites . . . We associate with them in the world every day
3. Because of company . . . Bring them along; they will admire you.
4. Because you have little children . . . Jesus says, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me” (Matthew 19:14).
5. Because you have plenty of time in the future . . . . . . Are you sure? (James 4:13-17).

See you in church today!

The greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor. What does love have to do with church attendance?

My church attendance says I love:

1. My Physical Family (Ephesians 6:4)
2. My Spiritual Family (Colossians 3:16, Romans 15:14, Romans 14:19, Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:24-25)
3. My Soul (Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:25-26)
4. My Neighbor (Matthew 5:16)
5. God (Matthew 16:24-26)

When you skip church, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. (Psalm 127:1, 1 Corinthians 9:27) Did you know you are affecting others when you choose to skip worship?

1. You affect God (Hebrews 10:25-27)
2. You affect those who aren’t even members yet (1 Peter 4:17-18, 1 Corinthians 10:32-33)
3. You affect the church where you are a member (Colossians 3:1, Philippians 4:8)
4. You affect your family (Ephesians 6:4, 1 Peter 3:1)
5. You affect the elders (Hebrews 13:17)