My Story - Part 1
Church Attendance
Before I continue to post my devotional articles, I would like to spend some time journaling about God's working in my life. I had the privilege of being raised in a Christian home - but that came about by difficult circumstances.
My mother divorced and remarried before I was five years old. She was a Christian, but had not been attending church when she met my step-father. When they married, she said she wanted the kind of family that sat together in church every Sunday.
That simple decision they made to attend church regularly had a profound impact on my life, and eventually on the lives of my children and grandchildren. It was at church that I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour. It was at junior camp where I decided to rededicate my life to Him, praying, "Lord, I want to be what you want me to be." It was at youth camp that I decided to attend Bible College and it was in the college youth group that I met a new Christian who later became my husband.
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How has church attendance or the lack of it impacted your life
Comments
Thank you for sharing Amy Sue. I have been concerned with the growing sentiment that church is not important - but I don't think that many really think it through what commitment to a church means to children.
It is primarily a parents' responsibility to introduce their children to Christ, but how much better to have a team along side - sunday school teachers, youth leaders, music ministry, camping programs, etc. Very often it is the children who encourage the parents just as your child's baptism. Many decisions are made for the Lord between the ages of 10 and 18.
Sharetheword - although I agree with you 100% that commitment to the church is very important to children, I believe it is important to everyone! I have seen both myself and especially my husband grow exponentially because of the dedication we have not only to the Lord, but to His church.
Unfortunately, I see so many who drop off their children at Sunday school or Children's church, or send them with Grandma, but don't think its important enough for them to go themselves. Children learn through example. If parents don't love the Lord enough to be with His people each week, their children won't either, no matter how often they are sent. It is amazing, though, how much you will grow in spirit and love if you dedicate yourself and make up your mind to attend services with the church and be active in it!
Yes! that is so right! Thank you for sharing Lexann!
We always loved to go to church and our children and grandchildren reflect that sentiment.
You said, "I have seen both myself and especially my husband grow exponentially because of the dedication we have not only to the Lord, but to His church."
I am thinking of the young adults today who are trying to reinvent the church into activities of outreach which are important - but in the process neglect the traditional teaching ministry of the church for both children and adults.
So many important decisions in our lives can be positively influenced by knowing God's Word. The church should be well rounded in ministering to all of the age groups. If people are well taught and growing - outreach will happen.
So many important decisions in our lives can be positively influenced by knowing God's Word. The church should be well rounded in ministering to all of the age groups. If people are well taught and growing - outreach will happen.
Amen!