To set the scene:
It was Saturday night.
I went to sleep early but I kept waking up.
I was so excited, I could hardly contain it.
I felt like a child on Christmas Eve.
And you will never believe why….
There are so many things I love about living in China. The culture, the food, the smiling faces of children, the people, etc. I even enjoy having the same conversation in Chinese with the Taxi Drivers at least twice a week. But, the thing I miss more than chocolate chips, my best friends, and family is Church and church. The community, the fellowship, the teaching, prayer, etc. I could just keep going on and on….
However, this past Sunday was special. I was able to go to church. I travel two hours once a month to attend church in a small room at a hotel with other foreigners. Before we are allowed to enter the room, our passports are checked by security. Imagine. Not even joking. They do not mess around. No Passport. No Church. Even if you are obviously NOT Chinese.
During my ride to church I was thinking back to not that long ago when I lived in the States before my life turned upside down in a good way. 9 churches came to mind that are within a thirty minute drive from my house. Yet, I took all of it for granted.
(Spoiler Alert: In no way, shape, or form…am I, or ever was a perfect Christian)
There were many times that I skipped church or just barely dragged myself out of bed to go with the wrong mind set. There were times I found myself so distracted by other thoughts or worries that I may have been present physically but not mentally. Point is, you don't always see what's right in front of you until its gone.
When you go to church next weekend, I encourage you to be more intentional with your time and with people. Really take advantage of the freedom that we have been granted in America. The world seems to be rapidly falling apart so we really need to be making the most of every moment we are granted.
I want to encourage you to encourage one another. You are surrounded by a community of believers weekly even if you only attend one service. Most likely your Church has already set up a safe environment to fellowship and grow through Sunday School, Women's Ministries, Men's Ministries, Bible Studies, Kids Ministries, etc. You have essentially been provided with a silver platter of brothers and sisters who you see weekly that you can encourage and serve.
I would also like to encourage you to pray for one another. It is such a powerful tool that the Lord has given us. When was the last time you offered to pray for someone you were talking to in that moment rather than holding onto it for later?
I also want to encourage you to use your gifts. If you have been Saved then you have at least one and you should be using it. If you don't know what your gift is, study 1 Corinthians 12: 4-12 and Romans 12. There are also several surveys/tests you can take online. God gave us the responsibility to use our giftings to help the body and build the kingdom.
Lastly, I want to encourage to remain focused on God when you are at church and give Him your all. When you walk through those doors into the building, I encourage you to release all the distractions that you may have, and remember your true purpose in being there in the first place.
Please don't go to church just because… its routine.
you feel guilty.
you need to do it to get to heaven.
you want to feel good or get inspired.
you want to perform in front of others.
you want to network with influential people
the building is new.
it's where your family goes.
of how entertaining the service is.
Those are just a few reasons and you may or may not agree with me. My hope and prayer for you is that you remember who your True Love is and remember why you attend church. By the way, incase you were curious, Church was Awesome last Sunday.
-Rebecca
