Most people seem to think that they don’t have to go to church. They make statements like, “Oh, I am a spiritual person.”

What they are truly denying themselves is the community of faith. These words should help them remember why community is so important.

“When two or three are gathered together in my name…”

That means to be in community with one another. We can spend our desires, make up excuses or say anything about this idea, but in reality when you worship with others, you find yourself in a better mood. You can be happier, love more and you become more patient with others.

Having a faith community is difficult. They are not places where we put people on  pedestals of greatness, but rather a place where broken people find hope. They find hope because there are others who are broken; spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

I have even heard people say that organized religion is so hypocritical and that is why they can’t attend a place where there are so many people who act pious but have skeleton’s in their closets.

Well, when you focus on what others are and do, you will miss the point. They are there because they are broken. For them the church is the hospital of spirituality, love and grace.  They are there because someone like you might help them get through the bad things in their life. The hiccup that exists in their mind, body or soul. It may be you, who shows them the grace they need to move forward in life.

It may be you, who shows them the love that they need. It may be a tough love, shocking them into reality. It may be the soft sounds of your voice that provides them comforting words.

I have often heard people who are generous in life say, “I get more from them, than they get from me.”

This could be you. In your compassion, sarcasm, love and grace, they may find peace in what you bring to their table.

So when the thought comes to you, “Oh, I don’t need to go to church, I am spiritual.” Maybe you should consider the other person you may encounter, who is not spiritual. The one who is struggling with life and faith. Maybe your example may lead them to become stable in faith and life.

Give it a try, you might find something you didn’t expect.

Attend a church of your choice this Sunday. It may just change your life.