Reasons for Going

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 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.” Hebrews 10:24

There are two categories of reasons for people’s attending church: spiritual and nonspiritual reasons.  Here are some reasons for attendance that fall under those divisions:

Spiritual: Reasons that are in accordance with God’s Word, and help one be obedient to His commandments.

• “The Word of God is taught, believed, and practiced there.”
• “I grow spiritually at that church.”
• “The Holy Spirit convicts my heart through the preaching.”
• “It is where unsaved people can come and get saved!”
• “The church is a place where I can serve God.”
• “The music glorifies and honors God.”
• “There are good spiritual influences there.”
• “It is a good place for my family to learn more about spiritual things.”
• “It is where God wants me.”

Nonspiritual: Reasons that feel good and seem logical to the unspiritual part of us, our flesh, but are not in accordance to what the Word of God teaches.

• “I feel good when I listen to the preaching, and don’t feel guilty about anything.”
• “It’s a place to learn about God, but they’re not fanatical about it.”
• “It is a very modern church.  They use the newest bibles, music, and popular books.”
• “It’s a good place to get clients for my business.”
• “Going there will make me look like a Christian, and people will trust me more in my business.”
• “Going there eases my conscience, and I feel like I am doing something spiritual.”
• “Going to church will wipe out all my sins from God’s memory. He’ll only remember the good thing I have done”
• “I can give money to them and count it as a tax write-off.”
• “It’s not a strict church.  I can do anything I want, and no one says anything.”
• “It is the most popular church in the area.”
• “The services are always entertaining.”
• “It’s a good place to meet girls.”
• “The music is almost the same as I listen to at home; just a few of the words are different.”

Are your reasons for attending church “spiritual” or “nonspiritual”?