“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”– Heb. 10:25
I recently saw it again, and it broke my heart. I won’t give you the exact quote, but it was basically this- ” I’m done with the church”. I’ve been hearing that stated in different ways for over 50 years. They say, “I quit going to church because there are too many hypocrites”, or “I’m done with the church because there are so many problems”, or “I don’t need the church. I can worship God anywhere”, or “I worship by watching church services on TV”, or “I get my church by attending gospel music concerts”.
Let me first say, I completely understand how a person could get so disappointed or discouraged that they drop out of church. That doesn’t justify it, but it is something that could happen to anyone– even you or me! We are all weaker and closer to falling than we think we are. But regardless of the reason or excuse, disassociating yourself from the Lord’s church is a big mistake. The church is not a man made organization as some people claim. It was instituted by Christ for our good and God’s glory. After trusting Christ as your Lord and Savior you ought to be baptized and become a member of one of the Lord’s churches.
Disconnecting yourself from other Christians, depriving yourself of being taught the word of God, and deserting your Christian duties is not the solution to your problem. That creates a larger problem. You are now living in disobedience to the Lord– something He doesn’t take lightly ( Heb. 12:5-13). Saying “I can worship God at the lake just as good as church” might sound good to other disgruntled people, but it is nonsense. You might be just as pleased at the lake on the. Lord’s day, but God isn’t pleased. I can say that with confidence because of God’s message about the church, God’s mission for the church, God’s ministry in and through the church, the members need of the church, the marriage relationship Christ has with the church, the Master’s ownership of the church.
Your attitude toward the church tells a lot about your attitude toward Christ. When you drop out of church you disobey God, defile yourself, deprive yourself, destroy your testimony and damage others. Instead of running from your problem you need to work through it. If you leave with unfinished business chances are you will carry your problems with you wherever you go. Every church is imperfect and if we are to be faithful to God we have to learn how to live together in peace.– HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
