Today an older gentleman of my acquaintance asked to join our family at church this morning. On the way, we had a spirited discussion of God, church, God's plans, and other religious topics. James admitted that it had been so long he had gone to any church, he didn't even remember it. But he felt he needed to thank God that he was recovering from a recent life-threatening episode.
James reported that he had always felt close to God, tried to live a good life, had not killed anyone or cheated on his wife, and tried to raise his children with good values. He said that he was able to talk to God (pray!) anywhere, especially out-of-doors when he was able. In these basic beliefs, James is part of the millions of people who believe in God but feel no particular need for regular church participation.
I responded to James that I, also, had wrestled with those ideas for years: what value is church when you can 'talk to God' anytime, anyplace? The main answers, in my opinion, is that 1) God deserves our PUBLIC WORSHIP and 2) it is important that we give WITNESS to others. Minor reasons to go to church regularly are 1) friends and fellowship, support from a caring community and 2) it is psychologically healthy to be a part of a worshiping community.
James said that he didn't know how long he had to live but didn't think it would be very long. I encouraged him to have a positive attitude and to continue to engage in healthy habits.
What does God want of us? He wants us to love him, wholeheartedly, for Himself, not for his gifts to us, although he accepts that kind of love also. God makes knowing what he wants us to do quite easy: His written directions for a clear road to heaven are in the BIBLE.
James said that the older he got, the more he thought about his death. He said that the last two funerals he attended, there were big mistakes (flowers were not delivered and a video was not shown) and he has instructed his children to not let anyone make mistakes for his funeral. I thought, "You won't care what goes on at your funeral, you will be in another place!" but held my tongue. I told him that I sung in the "Resurrection Choir" (only for funerals) at church and this reminded me (wholesomely) of my own death. You gotta be ready!! I told him of the 10-day period two weeks ago when we had 5 funerals in one week, then, in two days, had two more funerals. He was not impressed.
He never told us what he thought of the service or the church. He didn't think he had ever been there before. But he was extremely attentive. James seemed to appreciate the friendly folks who shook his hand and who smiled at him. I was pleased that there were many involved in various jobs and the children's choir sounded like angels. Please pray that James continues to improve physically, and continues to think of God and perhaps starts attending church regularly. I told James we would be happy to have him join us anytime.
Lord, Sundays are always so inspiring and interesting! Help us all give good witness when we worship you, the source of our lives and love!
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