What Is Missing From Your Life?
Have you ever had the experience where suddenly you realize that something is missing? Perhaps it's something that has always been around and then one day you notice that it is not there, it's not a part of your world anymore. In fact, lately it hasn't even been mentioned. You might be wondering where I am going with this and it's quite simple. What seems to be missing is the church. Yes, we know churches are out there, in our neighborhoods, but in the general framework of society, the every day life, no one talks about it. The media doesn't promote it, it's not on many people's radar... they don't think about it. Charles Paul Conn writes about an actual experience one man had in the Deep South. He says, “When I lived in Atlanta several years ago, I noticed in the Yellow Pages, in the listing of restaurants, and entry for a place called the The Church of God Grill. The peculiar name aroused my curiosity and I dialed the number. A man answered with a cheery, ‘Hello! Church of God Grill!’ I asked how his restaurant had been given such and unusual name, and he told me: ‘Well, we had a little mission down here, and we started selling chicken dinners after church on Sunday to help pay the bills. Well, people liked the chicken, and we did such a good business, that eventually we cut back on the church service. After awhile we just closed down the church altogether and kept on serving chicken dinners. We kept the name we started with, and that’s Church of God Grill.’” And for many people, for society, that's how they view the church. They act as if it is no longer there or necessary.
Now, it's easy to come up with answers as to why this is. But I would like to suggest that we feel the impact of it not being on our radar. People are overwhelmed by life and so to ease the burden there are many who say, "Who cares? I will do what I want when I want!" People are desperate for pleasure that leaves them no time for God. But may I suggest that it's in a local church that you and I find something solid, something we can count on, something that won't slip away at the first sign of trouble. And that is, God, and His love for you. His guidance and faithfulness that stand the stresses of the times we live in. Now, I am not saying that the people in churches are perfect, far from it. They make mistakes like you and I. But the one thing we find among such a group of broken and imperfect people is the truth of God that gives us values and promises and guidance. It reminds us every week that we can count on God to be there, to be faithful when we need Him the most. Now, you may say, "Do I have to be in a church to experience God in this way?" No, you don't. But it's when we are with others who are on similar journeys through life, that together we come to discover not only God's purpose for our lives, but we find the support we need to help us make it through the challenges of life.
This fall, may I encourage you to put church on your 'to do' list. There are many good churches, even in your own neighborhood. Try a few till you find one that meets your needs and where you can feel at home. In a world where values, morals and stability are up for grabs, the church can help you get your feet on firm ground once again. And so, if the church has slipped off your radar screen, why not dial in and give it a try this fall. You might be surprised what God will do in your life.
This column is submitted by Tri-Community Baptist Church in Beiseker.
