Did You Get To The Store?
Rev. John R. Greene
When we go to the store, do we end up at the store? You know what I mean. You need some things that a local grocery store sells, so you get into your car and drive to the store. This sounds simple enough. So what does this have to do with a minister's column? Plenty!
Just a few months ago I was asked a question in front of other people, the kind of question that you don't want to answer because the answer will possibly cause embarrassment. I hate those questions, but there have been many times when asked one that I have been forced to answer so I did! By now you want me to shut up and reveal the question so I will.
"Rev. Greene, I want to come to church so much, so why don't I come to church?" What a question, but I was pressed further when this person said, "I really love the Lord, and I do want to be in church, so tell me why I don't get to church?" This person put me on the spot, and if you know me, then you know that I will not lie even if I don't want to answer a question because I know the truth may be embarrassing!
I answered very casually and simply, "Because you don't want to go to church." Later, this person took me aside and repeated the information and so-called desire for Jesus and His church. Therefore, I asked, "If you go to the store, do you get there?" The person said, "Yes." Then I asked, "If you go to city hall to pay a bill, do you get there?" This person said, "Yes." "When you go to Barnwell, do you get there?" And as before the answer was the same, "Yes."
The point is very simple. The things that we want to do, we do! If we want to go to the store, then we go to the store, if we want to go to Augusta, then we go to Augusta, and if we want to go to church, then we go to church! We make the decision and then plan our action to make that decision happen. To go to church, you must get out of bed early, shower, dress, eat, and then go. This is not difficult. If you want to be in church, then you will be in church. You simply do the things that are necessary to be in church.
Stop deceiving yourself. If you love someone, you display that love in your actions. If you love Jesus, then you will do the things necessary to get out of bed and prepare for church to spend with others who also gather together to display their love for Jesus.
Get out of bed! Get dressed, and go to church. If you want to go to church, then you will go to church. My first week back is a little less controversial, wouldn't you say? Stay tuned for next week. See Ya!!!
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