I Love Church

Ps. 26:8—“LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelt.”

David loved God’s house. He said, “Because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God…” (1 Chron. 29:3). I like David’s mindset. His love showed up in his giving to God’s house.

David said, I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Ps. 122:1).

There was a time in America when the church was the most respected institution in the country. Not any more. Most people are not glad about going to church. The popularity of the church has fallen on hard times. Many politicians don’t like the church because it doesn’t pay taxes.

Backslidden ministers have given the church a black-eye (youth pastor found guilty of having affair with teen girl; priest accused of child molesting; Pastor discovered viewing pornography; church treasurer indicted for embezzling funds; etc.)

Hypocritical church members have soiled the testimony of some churches.

Some dislike the church because they feel legalistic churches are judgmental and trying restrict their freedom.

Many don’t like the church because they are impacted by the negative influence of the media (news, TV, movies).

Some well-meaning pastors feel because of all the negative propaganda they need to “reinvent” the church in the public’s eye. They believe they must change everything about the church, or church will die. I am not opposed to change, but some churches are taking matters to the extreme. One pastor advertised his church as: “The Church For Those Who Don’t Like Church.” Some have changed their name from a “church” to “worship center.” One cartoon showed a pastor changing his church sign from “First Baptist Church” to “The Faith Boutique.”