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Dear Friends,
Have you ever asked yourself this question or
one like it? “Is my own personal benefit or my family’s benefit
worth the effort necessary to maintain a Christ honoring Church?”
There is a cost involved in being a church that honors Christ, and
because the effort must be from the whole church, the whole church
also pays the cost. Sometimes, especially during times of
difficulty, doubt, personal struggle, change, instability,
discomfort, or, sin when our church experience may not seem very
rewarding or encouraging, we may wonder if it is really worth it.
Is it worth it? Is it worth it to seek to be
biblical when life is so much easier without the struggle? Is it
worth it to seek obedience in the Church when some resist and
blame-shift and relationships become complicated? Is it worth it
to seek to honor only Christ if it means I bear rejection by
people I love? Is it worth it to seek purity and holiness in the
Church if I must give pain to people I respect and care for like
my own soul? Is it worth it to seek reform and maintain godly
standards when I am so tired? Is it worth the emotional drain and
physical effort when I so desperately want to be refreshed? Is it
worth resisting Satan and his worldly philosophies when it means
resisting the people who tenaciously hold them? Is it worth
serving Christ and serving others when I feel the strain
personally and in my beloved family? Is it worth it when I feel
like the effort I am expected to give doesn’t seem to be on the
same level as the benefits that my family and I seem to be
receiving? Is it worth it if I am emotionally tired, yet, don’t
feel like I am receiving adequate refreshment for my weary soul in
my church experience?
YES! YES! YES! YES a thousand times! It is worth
it!
To remind ourselves “It is worth it!” we could
think about the growth that occurs in the routine of Church life.
We ought to reflect on the patience developed during times of
difficulty, questioning or doubt. We may focus on our ultimate
goal of being made like Christ. We might mention the rewards in
eternity for those who, for right reasons, truly minister and seek
to advance the cause of Christ, whatever the cost. We must mention
the honor we show Christ by “staying by the stuff” even if it is
not particularly pleasurable. We are remiss not to talk about
Christ’s view of our church and how we want to please Him more
than we want to be comfortable and refreshed. But there is another
reason.
One another.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir
up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and
so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Let’s keep our chin up, our commitment high, our
courage strong, and our purpose clear…and let’s do it together.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for
in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Pastor Bruce Seivers
Valley Chapel Community Church
Fairfield, OH
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