Psalm 122:1 – I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord." (NKJV)

On occasion, the subject comes up in our family that we were forced to go to church when we were young, and it is, at times, vehemently discussed, some in favour, some against. Some church-going parents allow their children, after they reach a certain age, to make a choice whether to attend church or not. Some keep on going, while some go periodically, and others quit altogether.

We did not have a choice. Our parents told us that as long as we lived under their roof, we had to join them in church, twice on a Sunday. It was a habit which was forced upon us, and even if we had rebelled, it would have done us no good. On Sunday, you go to church.

There are so many activities on a Sunday now. Even for children, there are soccer tournaments, baseball games, and hockey schools to attend. For some young parents, it is a very difficult time. It is hard to convince ten-year-olds that church is more fun than playing soccer with their friends. But some insist that they go to church as a family.

There are others who attend church on special days, like Christmas and Easter, or when they've been assigned tasks like taking up the collection or reading the Scriptures.

After Jesus had been tempted by the devil, as described in Luke 4:1-13, He returned to Galilee:

Luke 4:16 – So He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. (NKJV)

Jesus did not say, "Well, I'm a man now. I'm through going to the synagogue," nor did He just go on occasion whenever He felt like it. No, the Bible tells us that on the Sabbath, He went, as was His custom. That was the way Jesus was raised by His parents. He was used to going to the synagogue, and He even took part in the service, as was the custom at the time.

There have always been things to do on a Sunday, but I am thankful that we were "forced" to go as children. We developed a good habit, and now, we look forward to going to worship, to sing praises to His name, and to have fellowship with people who think as we do. It is good to able to go to the house of the Lord. I am thankful for this good habit.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank You for parents who raised us in a Christian way and who taught us what it means to attend church on a regular basis. We thank You for what that means to us now. We pray for the many young families who have to decide now between secular activities and worship on a Sunday morning. We offer this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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