“I don’t need church to walk with the Lord!” I can hear someone say, or, “Religion is a man made institution.” Well, I have news for you, the church is a God ordained institution, one of three that the Lord has specifically put together Himself; the other two being the family and human government. Denominations are another thing, but the Church is a “called out assembly” that God has chosen to gather together and worship Christ.
I cannot over emphasize the importance that church is in our walk with God. Each one of us needs, teaching, preaching, fellowship and accountability; all of which are provided by the church. The church is not a building, but a group of baptized believers in Jesus Christ. The church is to be organized according to the word of God with Pastor, deacons and members. The Pastor is to lead the church and is the under shepherd to Christ. The Word of God is the authority given to the church by God and the Bible is to lead the church.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
In order for us to be committed to our walk with God, we need to be committed to the organization that Christ gave His life for. Having a casual attitude about church will not get us in closer relationship with the Lord. I know that many churches have their problems, that is because they are full of imperfect people. But, going to church if nothing better comes up, is telling the Lord that His death is not as important as what other things you have in mind.
If we are going to be committed to a walk with God we need to commit to our church. Be there at every opportunity, get involved, give of your money and your time. Get to know the people that are there. Don’t just be an interested attender, be “all in.” If the church you attend does not preach the Bible, find another one that does. Then commit!
Jesus loves the church and gave His life for it, shouldn’t we respect that commitment to us and commit to the church?