A Spiritual Spur

If there ever was a good reason for all of us to continue attending church, this is it! Just as a spur on the foot of a rider makes the horse go faster, churches need Christian cowboys/cowgirls to keep the church galloping in the right direction!

I confess that on Sunday mornings, I often think of how nice it would be to sleep late and have a lazy sabbath. But when I resolutely make my way to spend time with God’s people, I am reminded of how much my spiritual life gets a kick in the pants from being with other believers. I am reminded of my mission and vision for what I do at church, to teach and encourage others in their faith walks!

I especially like the people who teach kids’ church! There is a camaraderie that I feel when we meet before the kids come to class, and also when we debrief after parents pick up their kids. “How did it go today?” asks the kindergarten teacher. I teach next door to her in the grade one class, and we can commiserate over how one activity worked well, and another didn’t. It seems like a simple thing, but as she and I are “faithful together” in bringing God’s truths to children, I leave church feeling like I am really part of something.

The other grade one teacher and I also enjoy connecting via email each week over how class went, mentioning various children by name. We both sincerely love even the most rambunctious boys, as well as the quiet and sincere children who listen intently to God’s Word, and engage during circle time as we discuss what God means to each of us.

Our greatest joy comes from spending time with the other couples on our Marriage Ministry team, as we together seek to bring health and hope to marriages in our church. As we share our personal struggles and joys, it all makes sense that we keep doing this until Jesus comes back!!

Father God, thank you for my Christian brothers and sisters, who are there for me, when I need to be reminded of what this life is really all about, who will not let me slumber in discouragement or apathy. Please don’t let my fire go out! Amen.

Throughout this day: Is it hard for you to engage with church? Do you need to be spurred on to doing love and good deeds today? Don’t stop engaging with other believers, whether through a small group or serving in a church ministry. Be encouraged, but also be an encourager (giving courage) to other believers, until that day when we all see Jesus face to face!