Is
GOING TO CHURCH A DUTY?
Hebrews
10:25 tells us: "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."
In
the Olden Days (referring to the pioneer days) the traditional young
couple made their marriage commitment at a church altar - in the presence
of God - pastor, and the people attending the important wedding ceremony.
Over
the past years, the sacred marriage commitment in the church
continues. However, the times for deep commitment have
changed. The vow - "For better, for worse, for richer, for
poorer, until death do us part" - no longer is taken seriously by
many couples. Statistics tells us that the divorce rate varies
little between church-goers or people that do not attend church.
If
the foregoing statement is true, then where is the marriage
commitment? Or, where is the commitment toward God?
Although,
as a married person, I cannot possibly grasp the meaning of divorce.
I
know that God hates divorce. The Bible gives guidelines to the
complex issues of divorce. Matthew,
Chapter Five gives a detailed
description about divorce. My heart has compassion for those people
that find themselves in the enormous dilemma of divorce. The
dissolving of the marriage union is many times the fault of one spouse.
It
was in June of 2000, when a knock was heard at the front door. A
middle-aged woman was delivering copies of the BOOK OF HOPE. After
seeing the carton, I exclaimed that
copies of the BOOK OF HOPE have arrived. The person delivering the
carton exclaimed: I could use one of those! In essence I
replied: I will be glad to give you a copy of the book. I
quickly went to get a book for her. While we continued with our
conversation, Linda proceeded to tell me that she is in the process of
divorce. During a previous November weekend, Linda and her husband
had gone on a vacation. When they returned, she was told that her
husband wanted to end the marriage. The man has another woman and,
therefore, wants his freedom. The couple have an 11-year old
child. Linda then proceeded to tell me that her husband has started
to visit the daughter.
While
listening sympathetically to the unfolding story, Linda shared that she
attends a Baptist Bible Study.
I encouraged Linda to Hold on to the Hand of
Jesus and that she will find encouragement through the Word of God.
In
the world of sorrow and pain, people can find help while attending
seminars. When the core of the soul cries to God, the individual can
find a Sustaining Power that comes from studying the Word of God and
taking time to Pray.
In
the month of June 2000, I listened to a special speaker at a church where
I and my husband worship. This speaker told the congregation, in
essence: You need to continuously have a devotional life so that as
a Christian you are daily strengthened in your spiritual walk with the
Lord. To the previous statement I can say a hearty AMEN!
