Reflections
WHY I KEEP GOING TO WORSHIP
By Pete Hammond
Another Sunday morning, and I sure would like to sleep in.
Lots of my friends avoid going to Sunday church. They remind me that it's boring and often irrelevant. They often add the comment that they have a hard time understanding all that religious stuff that goes on too. They sometimes sum it up by saying they will not associate with the hypocrites that show up there either. Often they say it just isn't enjoyable.
Why do I keep going? Sometimes I feel the same arguments that my friends have -- I don't understand lots of what goes on either; I don't like some of the people that are there; the leaders don't do it my way in terms of music, length, themes or language; it's a distraction from the big things in my life like love, work and pleasure; and it is easier just to avoid the whole thing and grab a morning for me.
But, I do keep going and I will keep going. Here's why:
I need help in reflecting on the past week to see it as just a small part of my journey of life.I need to be led by others instead of a constant diet of my own choices for subject matter.I need to be regularly reminded of who I am before God and who I can become in Christ. I need help in acknowledging my shortcomings . I need to hear these truths over and over, no matter how hard that is. I need help in acknowledging that I am a sinner and regularly discover new dimensions of its meaning.I need to hear how believers of the past struggled, grew and lived out their faith long before I ever came on the spiritual scene, or even started trying to cooperate with God,I need a taste of the arts as expressions of faith, e.g.: music, symbols, prayer, architecture, colors, etc.. I need to learn why some parts of worship that totally escape me are important to those who choose them. I need to participate in music rather that just be entertained.I need to be silent once in a while.I need the help to face issues of life and faith presented through the readings and preaching that I probably would avoid or never even think of myself. I need to hear of others ' joys and agonies, so mine fit into a larger context. I need to be reminded of what other followers face even if I do not enjoy who they are.I need to be away from the endless messages of my culture so I can carefully weigh the values and implications imbedded within them.I need a break in my rhythms of living and working.I need to hear again that "I am loved ...".I need help in the area of prayer as I hear others lead, and am reminded of some of the prayers of centuries past.I need to be drawn into Scripture , including those parts that I would avoid, struggle to comprehend, or misuse carelessly without someone else's perspective.I need to belong to a community of faith whether I am at my worst, really on a roll or just plodding along.If I choose the lesser route and avoid these and other things involved in joining others in regular worship, I turn inward too much and get an inflated view of my own importance, or fall captive to my own failures or challenges. I just can't keep living with my worm's eye view of the "world according to Pete," and develop any kind of healthy attitudes or relationships.
I go because I need help. Whether I get it depends on me -- not those who develop the services, lead them or attend for their own variety of reasons.
I also go because I want to say "thanks to God" for yet another day and another chance to live, work and grow.
Pete Hammond is a PCUSA elder, Presbyterians For Renewal board member, senior staff member of InterVarsity and the creator of the new Word In Life Study Bible ® . He and his wife Shirley live in Madison, WI and commute to see their four grandchildren in Chicago regularly.
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