church

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I can’t explain it really, but I have this unusual attraction to places that once were. A place that once was for fun, work, family, or God. An old amusement park, an abandoned factory, a dilapidated house, but especially a deserted church.

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I can understand an amusement park fails to draw crowds. A factory used to make things that are no longer needed, or wanted. A family leaves a house for any number of reasons, and the house never catches the eye of a new owner. But a church? Yes I know a church is truly its people, but there is something very sad to me when I see a church building that has been abandoned.

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Did God fail to draw a crowd? Did He stop providing what people needed? Has He not caught the eye of a new convert? The answer is, “No.” God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb. 13:8) So if God did not fail then what happened?

Did the people that once entered its doors, and gathered inside abandon

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God? I hope not. There are lots of things worth abandoning in life, but God? Never. A destructive life pattern, although it may be fun, yes. A job that doesn’t fully meet your needs? Yes. A house you or your family have out grown? Perhaps, but God? No. It is when you need to abandon other things in life, you need God the most. To lead you, guide you, and help you. I pray you never abandon God, for He will never abandon you.

I have recently noticed some people will “be” at church, but not “be” the church. There is a definitely a difference. You see, there are those that think “being” at church is all that is required to get into heaven. Unfortunately, for them, God doesn’t take attendance. The only reason he said it was good to “be” with other “believers” is to share life with them. To hear His word and to grow in his image with others who “believe” like you do. To encourage each other. To comfort each other. This is hard to do from your couch.

If you are going to “be” at church then “be” the church. Be the light of the world. Be a true reflection of Jesus Christ. Be honest, be giving, be faithful, be hopeful, be loving, be forgiving, and be true to the word of God.

To Be, or Not to Be? This is not the question.