Why go to church?

Have you ever asked yourself why you attend church? I mean what is it that you are looking for or to get from attending your church? I love listening to preaching whether in person or over you tube. I know there are those who do not put much stock on YouTube, but I find much wisdom in some programs. Anyway, I was listening to a preacher who answered why I should be going to church to my surprise. In recent months that has been my inner question—a seeking that was heavy on my heart.

Upon truly reflecting, I see I was attending because I wanted the things that this world has to offer—-money, houses, cars, etc. I listened carefully on how to use scripture to get what I was looking for; my prayers were directed to God for Him to open doors so I can prosper in this life. You know what I felt when I had “arrived” to my targeted goal? Empty! Like vanity, vanity is all that kept echoing in my head.

So my search started all over again, why am I attending church? Usually when I have something in my heart that is so important to me, it seems to touch the Holy Ghost. I know He hears my cry, so I am sure He made it possible for me to hear the correct answer to why I should be attending church. It is not in looking for signs and wonders–the word tells me that those things are supposed to follow me as a believer. I then should be performing those things, not looking for them. Its not in seeking the things of this world, especially money. The word lets me know that money or mammon is a god, so seeking money is idolatry.

So what should I be seeking in a church? Seek the knowledge and growth in Jesus Christ–the Jesus that died, was buried and resurrected so I may mirror Him everywhere I go. How simple! Eternal life is the goal, Christ is the way. Having or not having things of this world are a by product of being a sojourner of this world as we run this race to eternal life.

Indeed, this answer has me refocusing; I have clarity in my why? What is your why?