"We Only Come Here for Weddings and Funerals" (Colossians 1:18)

I recently attended a memorial service for a friend. It was held in a Buddhist church. As I met with the family members, I inquired whether this was a church where my friend attended. The wife sighed and reluctantly admitted, “No. He didn’t really believe. We only came here for weddings and funerals.”

I nodded as I forced a smile. Although this was a Buddhist church, how many people view the Christian church with a similar disinterest?  Is the Christian church a gathering place for weddings, funerals and the occasional Easter and Christmas service?

For so many years of my life, I had a similar jaundiced view of the Christian church. It was a place where narrow minded people gathered to discuss myths. It was a place where weak minded individuals met to support one another rather than relying upon their own inner strength. I was indifferent, even hostile, because I was lost in my own sins and wretched state. Only God, through His love and mercy, changed my heart. And when He did, the Church was no longer an optional event, it was my family.

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

What I never understood was the Church was not just a building, it was the Body of Christ, and He reigned over it. If God sustains it, there is no other place I should be spending my time. For in it, I live and breathe because I learn to become more like my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the teachings of pastors and the fellowship of believers.

The Church is more than just weddings and funerals. It is for all of life. It is for sinners who need redemption, acceptance, and salvation from the only One who can grant it, Jesus Christ.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.