When We Go To Church

Today I was in Georgia at a small, country church. 

This neat house of worship is tucked way out in the country.  It's not a large, booming place.  But it is a fine church.

As I walked into the sanctuary, I noticed this sign over the front door:

Then, as I was walking out of the sanctuary, I noticed this sign:

The signs say it all.  Enter to worship.  Depart to serve.  When we go to church, that's what needs to happen.

 

When we enter a church building, let's do it to worship.  I like what Charles Spurgeon wrote about this years ago.  Check out his poem:

 

Some go to church to take a walk;

Some go there to laugh and talk;

Some go there to meet a friend;

Some go there their time to spend;

Some go there to meet a lover;

Some go there a fault to cover;

Some go there for speculation;

Some go there for observation;

Some go there to dose and nod;

The wise go there to worship God.

 

That's the reason for us walking into the church house.  Our purpose is to praise God's greatness, hear God's word, and enjoy God's presence.  Let's keep our focus on worshipping Him when we go to church.

 

When we exit a church building, let's do it to serve.  We are to serve God by doing His work, spreading His word, and showcasing His glory.  We also are to serve our neighbors by encouraging them and helping them in the name of our God.  Jesus served people, and we must do the same.  A servant's heart must be what we Christians have.

 

Enter to worship.  Depart to serve.  That's what must happen when we go to church.