He said to them,
"It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are
making it a den of robbers."
Do you ever stop to think why you go to church? Do you love Christ so
deeply that this is why you go to church? Do you go to worship, pray and be closer to God,
or is it out of obligation, to see your friends, or just out of habit.
After reading my section for this devotional I had to be honest with
myself about why I go to church. There was a time in my life when I questioned my faith
because so many people that I was close to died. Why did God do this to me? If he was a
loving, caring God, why did he take all those so close to me? I found myself going to
church out of obligation, not to worship and share his love with others.
I was ashamed to admit this to myself that I had given up on Jesus and
simply went to church so I would still be considered a good Lutheran. However, even though
I went to church for the wrong reason, God still loved me and understood. After much
prayer I realized that there is more about church than just showing up. Jesus is the
reason I go to church each week. To learn, worship, and feel a deeper connection with the
Lord is why I go. I may not make it every Sunday, but my heart is always with him.
I know that I am not perfect, but I know that I love Jesus very much,
and HE is the reason I go to church. So next time you walk into church, ask yourself why
are you here?
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please help me to stay focused on your love and
share in your love with others at your house each week. Amen
