Would You Still Go?

What if suddenly your church service lasted for 3 hours? Would you still go? And what if you had to walk an hour to get there and then another hour home? Would you still go?

When did we get so busy and when did we allow the distractions in our lives to become so important that spending that much time at church is out of the question?

What else have we got to do that is more important than worshiping God and spending time with the body of Christ? It’s completely a cultural thing, you know. In other parts of the world it isn’t uncommon at all. Sometimes folks bring their lunch and make a day of it.  The WHOLE DAY, you say??? You must be kidding.  No way do I have that much time to spend at church.

But I wonder what would happen if we did? What would happen to our relationships with our fellow church attenders if we spent some real time with them, talking about our lives, getting real, and discussing how the day’s message could be applied to our everyday experience? I wonder.

Remember how the church was described in the Book of Acts?

“And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:44-47 (ESV)

How many people do you see at church each week that you smile at and say hello to but don’t even know their names?  What would happen if we got more intentional about getting to know the folks we sit beside every Sunday?  What would it be like to speak to them by name and share life with them? All it takes is time.

It isn’t impossible. Just start with one person. Introduce yourself and ask their name. Then next week watch for them but also find another person to meet and maybe you could introduce them to each other.  It doesn’t cost anything but time.