Church

I’ve been really struggling with going to church lately. I give people the same “talk” that I need to be giving myself right now: “The church isn’t perfect and it’s not meant to be. Every church has its issues/problems. Don’t put your faith in the people, but in the Lord. Going to church isn’t about what it can do for you, but how you are serving the Lord and others there.” I find that every time I am on my way to church, I am frustrated and irritated and don’t want to go. Have a I gotten so far out of touch with being there that I dread it now? I HATE THAT!!! I am letting little issues affect my attitude, which then affects me wanting to be there.


Over the last week, I have been re-learning little characteristics of Satan through my bible study (Esther by Beth Moore). Satan:
1. Loves to show the good side of sin
2. Comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10)
3. Is the father of lies and a murderer (John 8:44)
4. Knows no truth! (John 8:44)


I know this is a spiritual battle within me! I realized what’s going on is that Satan would love nothing more than to keep me from growing spiritually and fellowshipping with other believers. It weakens my relationship with the Lord!


How does he do this?
1. Showing the good side of sin. God tells us to fellowship with other believers and to grow in the grace and knowledge of His Word (2 Peter 3:18)…both of which can be done through church. Every Sunday, I am tempted to stay in bed and sleep in. My desire to be lazy kicks in and I just want to do nothing! If I decide to get up and go, my attitude is terrible. I am either irritable that I am up this early on my weekend or I have the attitude to get up, go and get it over with. I am also tempted to not go because it gives me more time in my day to get things done.

2. “He comes to steal, kill and destroy.” Not going to church steals, kills and destroys: my joy, my fellowship with God and others, my spiritual growth, my walk with the Lord, my humility, my godly decision making.

3. He is the “father of lies” and a murderer. When I am not in fellowship or growing spiritually, Satan’s lies are easier to listen to, and they are harder to combat against. I am allowing him to murder my fellowship which creates separation from my Lord.

4. He knows no truth! If he knows no truth, then I find truth in Christ and His Word! I’m limiting my hearing of His Word when I choose not to go to church….or when I choose to have a bad attitude.


I am tired of being attacked in this area! I miss learning God’s Word! I long to know Him more and fellowship with Him! The ironic thing is….the only thing holding me back from “fixing” this problem is me! I have to choose to live for the Lord or live for the world. I choose to live for Him! And Him alone!