Why I go to church

In church on Sunday, I didn't particularly care for one of the songs, which gave me some space for my analytical brain to kick in.

I can find worship music that I like easily on the internet. Any time I want. I can worship God anywhere, and have just the right flavor for my personal taste, performed by the most incredible voices and musicians. So why go to church? I love worship at my church, and I'm always kicking myself if we're five minutes late, always relieved if we arrive before the first note is struck. And still I can think, hm, I don't really like this song.

I can stay home and hear great sermons. In fact, whenever we're home sick, I routinely listen to a pastor of a church I can't be a part of due to geography. I'm like a stealth attender via modern technology.

However, when I go to church, I am submitting myself. I am giving up a couple of hours from my schedule to do what someone else has planned for me. I am listening to music someone else has selected, which someone else "performs." I am listening to a sermon that perhaps the youth pastor is preaching, while the senior pastor is out of town. Or a guest missionary. Or a long introduction to communion by a church member who never gives me his name.

I do not submit myself to these people or this particular church group because they are inherently special. I am submitting myself to God. I am honoring Him by gathering with His people and singing His praises, listening to His word. If I am always in control, worshiping God on my terms, at my convenience, in the way I like, then I am following a religion centered on me.

If His Spirit were not present in me, there is no way I would make this choice. It isn't logical. This isn't a rock concert, a "good show," or an advertised "powerful speaker." This is community who loves a Savior. If the Savior weren't there, I wouldn't bother.

But He is. And so I do.

And any given Sunday, if it's not just what I would like, then my willing submission means a little more.