Church was Made for Man not Man for Church

Human Resources people tell us that the first step in motivating employees to better service is by showing them how their job fits in to the company's overall objectives. The idea is that if they understand the "big picture" and what part they play, they will work more intelligently and therefore more profitably and creatively.

I believe that if we used the same approach in determining the relationship between our church attendance and our commitment to follow in Jesus as disciples we would rediscover a basic premise: the purpose of our Christianity is not simply coming to church.

If we examined the Scriptures carefully we would understand that the purpose of our Christianity is two-fold:

1. To Glorify God

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

- Matthew 5:16

This is done through good works of all kinds for all types of people in different situations.

2. To be a Witness for Christ

“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.

- Matthew 10:32

This is accomplished through evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20) and love (John 13:35). Going to church is one of the means by which these things are accomplished, not the end.

At church we,

• glorify God through worship;
• witness for Christ through communion;
• love others though fellowship and service.

Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

- Mark 2:27

In the same way, church services were created to serve man's needs to worship, confess Christ and express his love, not to become a tedious legal exercise. If we remember the true role of church attendance in the greater scheme of things perhaps it will bring more meaning to our Sundays and motivation for the other days of the week.