A New Year's Choice
Have you made a new year's resolution or two or ten?
I haven't this year.
I have thought about what I'd like my life to look like. I want more community in my life. That fell off in 2020, when we left the church we'd been in for many years. We were overworked in that church. It made both my husband and I timid about getting over involved again in our new church. The result has been that we've been on the fringes at church... involved but not involved. There have been too many excuses. But, truly, I haven't made church a priority.
I've been seeking God through His word, a Bible study with ladies in the next town, videos and podcasts, weekly Sunday morning attendance. But. I've been feeling the longing for some time now to feel more connected to the body of Christ. That takes time and commitment.
Do I believe a person must be there every time the church door opens? No. But. That's the way my husband and I have lived much of our married life. Up until that last experience, it was all good. Even the last experience was not bad. We were there for a purpose, brought in during a natural disaster by God, but the heavy dependence on us wore us out.
What I am saying is that we I have been neglecting Wednesday evening Bible study with the ladies and Sunday evening services. I just haven't wanted to get too involved. Who's suffered from that? Me. (I crossed out we. I cannot speak for my husband.) I believe that I've made choices that lead me further from what God wants for me.
So, no resolution, just a choice. I am going to stop avoiding church for whatever reason. You might say that I am repenting of being lazy about going to church and making relationships with God's people.
So, this year I choose to grow in relationships with other Christians in my own church.
I choose to listen to God when He speaks to me through the Word or by whatever method He chooses.
I'm getting away from the fence and into the fold.
Has this struck a chord with you?
Let me know in the comments. I encourage you to listen to this short video by Phil Robertson that I listened to this morning.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Laura
It's good to have community with other Christians, to gather together for the encouraging of one another in the building up in faith.
ReplyDeleteIt's also very good to serve, but we don't have to be on every committee to where our time is away from our family. Family is also important. I guess what I'm saying is sign up to serve in some capacities but encourage younger Christians also to serve and be blessed.
I'm praying for you and the choices you're making in 2026. God bless you.
I think that the words 'to everything there is a season' are true for everyone, believers or non-believers. If something feels wrong at any given time then it is simply not the season for it. You are now feeling that it is right season for you to play an more active role in your church, so follow your heart.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! x
One of the exact things that I have set as a goal for myself is to attend church more and listen to God more
ReplyDeleteWe're involved at church but not like we used to be. Mostly because since covid it seems there aren't as many opportunities to be involved. No more Sunday evening services. No more Wednesday evening services. No ladies/mens Bible studies. So I've tried to step up my individual studies.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I haven't attended a building much in decades. It became religion not Christianity and living as such. It became about fancy buildings and needing money, not helping. I'm still disillusioned and like you, feeling the draw to go find a family that is simple and sharing as Christ lived his life on earth.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the new format.
ReplyDeleteI'm not trying to be mean.
I've been reading your blog
As long as you've been doing it.
I like to read the other blogs you follow and read your older content as there is useful information in it.
You don't have to publish my comment. Just giving feedback.
I don't want to hurt your feelings.
oh yes! I have become comfortable sitting a home "watching" church every service instead of taking myself to a body of Christ. I have been convicted to get out of my pajamas and get involved. Pray for me and I will pray for you! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe community and blessing of a good church family is something I often take for granted. I appreciated you sharing your heart here. It is a good "heart check" for me as well. I attend Sunday evening, Wednesday evening and the extras as well - but sometimes I simply "attend." That is a shame - not only for me but for the rest of my church family.
ReplyDeleteI've attended a couple of Sunday night services, Saturday night prayer, and a Wednesday evening service in addition to Sunday morning services since the beginning of year. I am already noticing a difference in how connected I feel.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage
Yes, Laura I have been there too. Sometimes it is just a season we must go through, and the Lord will lead us to where He wants us to be. You are not ignoring your faith - your walk is simply looking a bit differently for this time.
ReplyDeleteI can understand being overused at church. This has never happened to me at my church in fact they could use me more, but I am not in the run for that, as I don't fit the timid vibe!
ReplyDeleteYou have to do what feels right for you. One set of parameters does not fit all. I do not go to a building anymore - I am a home worshiper. I feel comfortable with that and doing what I can for others.
ReplyDelete