Where in the world have I been? That’s a good question! I’ve probably taken way too much time away from this blog thing. Every week at church someone approaches me and asks about my blogging absence. Well, I have no good answer…I’ve just been taking an extended break from cyberspace.
While we’re on the subject, though. Have you ever wondered why some people take a break from God? Oh, they’d never admit to taking a break; however, they begin to slack off on all the things that God values. Things like, prayer, scripture reading, fellowship with other believers, church and a host of other Biblical mandates we see in God’s Word.
As the summer months get in full swing, I can already see people becoming M.I.A.’s (missing in action). Don’t get me wrong, I love to see people take vacations and spending time with their families…we should all do this. My problem is that many people start to fall into a rut. One missed Sunday becomes two, two becomes four and pretty soon church is a distant memory.
Can I ask a question, “Is your spiritual progress meaningful to you?” My purpose for the question is not to bring about guilt, but confrontation. We should all be willing to confront the areas of our lives that we often mishandle. Consistency in church is one of them.
Now, don’t get religious with me and say, “Pastor Neal, you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian!” You know what…you’re right!!! However, you do have to go to church to be like Jesus!!! The New Testament often tells us how it was Jesus custom to enter the temple (our church today) regularly. Do you think He would expect any less from us? I Don’t.
My prayer for you this summer is that you will all have great family vacations. But, it is also my prayer that everyone would see the priceless value in remaining consistent in their church attendance. I think Jesus would have it no other way!
God bless you all!!!
Pastor Neal
