In a life very distant from today, I used to iron clothes. I ironed my working shirts, my wife’s blouse, and my son’s school uniform. I did it during the weekend. I got the week’s worth of ironing done in one day. I did not mind doing that. I enjoyed doing that. It was a time I meditated. It was a time I thought of stuff. I did it out of love for my wife and my son. It was a house chore, but it did not feel like one.
Going to church has always been a wonderful experience. We met our friends in the church. We prayed. We worshipped. We listen to the sermon. In my case, I sometimes led worship, prayers, taught lessons, and preached sometimes.
Can you imagine when going to church becomes a chore? Can you imagine attending church celebration feeling like a ritual, like nothing more than going through the motion?
When we do not encounter God, worship turns into a singing and dancing act (complete with hands raised and eyes closed.) When we do not hold God in reverence, prayer becomes a speech or a recital. When we have no desire, reading the Bible becomes a task to tick off. When we do not connect with our brothers and sisters in Christ, fellowship becomes socializing, and we turn our church into a club. When we are not motivated by obedience and love, good works become something we do to keep up the appearance.
And that is exhausting. Where is the grace? Where is the hope?
Do you remember the time when you FIRST knew Jesus? He was your world. You live, speak, think, breathe the Word of God. Do you still have the first love? If you do, good for you. Keep it up. If you do not, please look for it.
Let’s make things right. And this is coming from one who is very broken, waiting for the mending begin.
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