Why Didn't I Go to Church?

Monday Devotional for 7/1/13

I meant to go to church but it didn't fit in my day. I had too much to do. Someone was sick. I had to be someplace. I needed to take a shower. I needed to help someone. I couldn't leave the dog. Today is my only day off. Today is the only day I can sleep in. I am on vacation. I didn't want to go alone. I was too upset. I didn't have anything nice or clean to wear. I didn't have anything to wear that I felt like wearing. I didn't want to see that certain someone. I don't think the pastor is as serious as he should be. I think the pastor is a little too serious. I hardly know anyone. No one will even notice if I'm not there.

I hate to admit it but 95% of the reason I didn't go to church is because I didn't want to. The other 5% was the circumstance I used as my excuse to explain my absence to myself.


For many years we steadfastly attended our church every time the doors were open. We became friends with the other members. We celebrated and mourned life events together. We helped each other. It was a time of growth in our own family as we grew spiritually and physically. We did not agree with every idea or thought of our Christian brothers and sisters, or pastors and leaders. But we agreed that God had a purpose for each of our lives. We agreed that the best way to discover that purpose was to learn more about Him and draw closer to Him. The easiest way to do that was by going to church.

I do not think that God is mad at me or you when we do not go to church. But I believe we miss out on a few good things. One of those things is the opportunity to be a friend to someone new or familiar. Going to church is not to follow a religious rule or to prove how great we are doing. It is for our benefit, our help, our support, and our growth.

So let’s do it—full of belief,

 confident that we’re presentable inside and out.

 Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.

 He always keeps his word.

 Let’s see how inventive we can be

 in encouraging love and helping out,

 not avoiding worshiping together as some do

 but spurring each other on,

 especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG

Dear Lord, how grateful I am for Your patience. Please help me to remember that it is not all about me and what I feel like. Please give me strength to persevere in faith in You. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins