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Q. Does it really matter if I attend church?

A. Here's why watching a TV preacher, mailing in your tithe, and then heading out to your favorite hunting blind or settling back to watch a doubleheader on ESPN doesn't really cut it.

1. It matters to your family. Come Sunday morning, family members have a "date" with God that when kept, promotes consistency, discipline, and unity within the family. The Bible says, "Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are old-er, they will remain upon it" (Proverbs 22:6). There's no better place to start than at church every Sunday.

2. It matters to your health. "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy," God said through Moses (Exodus 20:8). That doesn't just mean church attendance. The Sabbath is supposed to be a day of rejoicing, of setting aside work to worship. Our decision to rest proclaims that we're not slaves but free men. Lack of rest creates tension, friction, irritability, and touchiness. Resting is crucial to life.

3. It matters to God. The Sabbath was important to our Savior. Jesus' earthly parents trained Him in the Scriptures and took Him to the temple. Throughout His life He was often found in synagogues.

The priests of Jesus' day ostentatiously displayed their "holiness," were slaves to tradition, and emphasized externals. Out of respect for His Father's house, Jesus paid His temple tax in spite of the local leadership (Matthew 17:24-27).

Hypocrites in His Father's house never kept Jesus away.

Edwin Louis Cole, a frequent speaker at men's events, died in August.

Adapted from New Man (7-8/01) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

I acknowledge, my divine Creator, that You've created me to function in a certain rhythm.

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