Because It’s Sunday?

Bible Reading: Psalm 100; Hebrews 10:24-25

Axel had asked a simple enough question, but Ryker was stumped for an answer.

“Why do I always go to church?” Ryker repeated, stalling for time to think of a good answer to give his friend.

“Yeah.” Axel sounded like he really wanted to know. “Why do you and your family always go to church?”

“Because…because…” Ryker hesitated. He wasn’t sure what his answer should be. “Because it’s Sunday,” he said at last.

Axel looked at him quizzically, then smirked. “That’s a stupid answer! That’s like saying, ‘I go to school because it’s Monday or Friday.’”

Ryker shrugged. He knew his answer had not been a good one. He thought about it as he headed home. Why do I go to church? he thought. Is it because Mom and Dad make me go? Or have I been going so long that now I just keep going out of habit?

After dinner, Ryker was still thinking about the question. “Dad, why do we go to church?” Dad looked at him in surprise, and Ryker explained that Axel had asked him that question.

“It’s a good question, and it’s one we all need to answer for ourselves,” said Dad. “One reason I go is to worship Jesus.”

“You can worship Him other places too, like at home or out in the woods,” Ryker said.

Dad nodded. “Yes, we can worship the Lord at any time and in any place, but the Bible says we should assemble together with others who believe in Him too. If we don’t go to church, we miss out on fellowship with other Christians—singing together, sharing blessings and problems, and learning more about God from His Word. One of the ways Jesus reminds us of His love and helps us grow is through church. It’s a gift to us from Him.”

Ryker nodded. “I do like singing in junior choir,” he said, “and I learn a lot from Pastor Joel’s sermons that I probably couldn’t learn from the Bible by myself. I always learn a lot in Sunday school too, and I like being with kids who love Jesus.” He grinned at his dad. “Tomorrow I’ll talk to Axel again. I think I can give him a better answer now.” • Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

Why do you go to church? Is it to worship Jesus and enjoy being with other Christians? Or do you simply go out of habit or because your parents make you? Going to church is a good habit to have, but remember that church isn’t an item on your to-do list—it’s a gift from Jesus. It’s a place you can worship Him with other Christians and learn about His love for you. Don’t miss out on the gift of church.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Enjoy the gift of church