Being Comfortable in Church: Is it Really a Good Thing
Going to church can be a comforting and familiar experience for many people. We see the same faces week after week, sing amazing songs and hymns, and hear a great messages but for many of us this becomes routine and really comfortable. For many of us church is a place of refuge and peace. But is being too comfortable in church a good thing? Let's take a closer look.
Being too comfortable in church can lead to complacency. When we become too familiar with our surroundings and routines, it can be easy to let our guard down and not be fully engaged in worship and the message. We can also start to take for granted the blessings and opportunities we have to learn and grow in our faith.
In the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of staying alert and awake. In Mark 13:33, Jesus says, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." This same message applies to our time in church. We should be vigilant in our worship and actively seek to grow in our faith, even when we are in familiar and comfortable surroundings. Additionally, being too comfortable in church can lead to a lack of compassion and empathy for others. When we become too focused on our own comfort, it can be easy to forget about the needs of others and the suffering in the world. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40 that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
So, what can we do to avoid becoming too comfortable in church? Here are a few suggestions:
Be intentional in your worship: Take time to reflect on the lyrics of the songs, listen attentively to the message, and participate in the service with purpose.
Step out of your comfort zone: Try sitting in a different seat, getting to know someone new, or volunteering in a different area of the church.
Pray for a fresh perspective: Ask God to renew your spirit and open your heart to new ways of worship and service.
Being comfortable in church is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is important to avoid becoming complacent and to remain vigilant in our worship and service to others. Let us strive to make the most of every opportunity to grow in our faith and show love and compassion to those around us.
Always True
Pastor Mike