I'm constantly asked by coworkers why Holly and I go to church. Why do we take the time to go to church, when we could use that day for ourselves? I feel strongly that since our country was founded on religious freedoms, and also I believe strongly that God is the source of everything we have in this life. Because of this strong conviction, the least I can do is give of my time and talents to try and make the world a better place. We participate in a study group, and have so for almost eight years and we meet on a regular basis. This past weekend we studied an article from Eugene England, a retired professor from Brigham Young University and a former Dean of Academic Affairs at St. Olaf Liberal Arts College in Minnesota. In his eight page article we just studied, his following comment stuck the most out in my mind.
In his words, "Church involvement teaches us compassion and patience as well as courage and discipline. It makes us responsible for the personal and marital, the physical and spiritual welfare of people we may not already love, and may even heartily dislike, and thus we learn to love them. It stretches and challenges us, even when we are disappointed and exasperated, in ways we would not other wise choose to be stretched and challenged. Thus it gives us a chance to be made better than we may have chosen to be—but need and ultimately want to be."
I go to church to be less selfish, to offer up my time and talents, to learn from others, and to be challenged by humanity. I also try to go beyond church and actively help in the community to give better awareness for my faith. All of this is the refiners fire that makes us better human beings in the long run. Helping others, not just friends, but even strangers, I feel truly brings the highest level of happiness.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
Great reminder! It isn't always easy, and I know I don't do all I can. This article motivated me to want to do more and believe that not only is the gospel of Jesus Christ true, but that church attendance and service are what make the gospel true.
Wow, we sound churchy don't we. But honestly, it's more about being a good humanitarian.
Thanks for this. I love that we go to church, although sometimes trying to make it through sacramanet with a two-year-old who needs a nap is always a challenge. This is a nice reminder as to why I go, as well.
h-
if you sound churchy, at least you walk the walk! 3 hours and then more during the week.
What great thoughts. I'm so thankful that we are asked to do so much, and then on top of that we get to choose to do even more! Three hours straight is a lot for anyone, but every minute is important.
I totally needed that lesson too. There are a handfull of people that I dearly love, a good many I barely know, and a few I "Heartily Dislike". I have much to work on, and it's good to get a hard look @ yourself once and a while. Word Up!!!!!!!
I loved your comments. The wonderful thing about all this is not only do we bless the lives of others, but we are blessed as well.
Seriously, that article came at the right time. It was the boost I needed to improve my attitude toward my church responsibilities.
Great post. Your new nickname is Churchy Craven. :)
Dan this is a nice post. Thoughtful, sincere, to the point. I like it.
Thanks for sharing that quote. I need that reminder with my current season in life ...
Post a Comment