Attending Church

It is not the get-out-of-jail-free pass into heaven.

Ezekiel 9:1-11

Reference: Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple. (Ezekiel 9:6 NIV)

Explore: “Going to church makes you a Christian as much as standing in a garage makes you a car!”

I am a big advocate for attending church on a weekly basis, but I have to agree with this quirky statement. While it is not my place to judge someone else’s salvation, I do often wonder whether some church goers are great examples of committed disciples.

We can go through all the right rituals and say all the right words, but it is our actions of love that will really show where our heart lies. Going to church is an important part of our faith, but it is not the get-out-of-jail-free pass into heaven.

Application: When God showed Ezekiel a vision of what was to happen to those who rejected Him, He showed the prophet a group of men who went to slay all the idolaters. Where did they start? In front of the temple!

You would think that it would be the last place God would look, but just because we look religious doesn’t mean we are doing the right thing. We can say grace before every meal, attend church most weeks and be able to recite a couple of Bible verses, but what God really desires is complete devotion.

Prayer: Lord, may I take every opportunity to give You praise and honour You. May my words, actions and future reflect Your will. Amen.

Would you say that you give God your complete devotion?

action, Christian, church, disciple, Ezekiel, integrity, words