Trying to Follow God's Will

Over the last several months, the issue of church attendance has been much discussed in our family. I have had friends ponder,"Can't I be a Christian and not go to church?" I also have had discussions concerning organized religion. At our house we have spent many hours contemplating church selection. Interestingly enough, our Sunday School class is in the middle of a study titled Finding God's Will.

At different points during the past 6-9 months, we have felt unfulfilled at church. The word that has been described to me was "stagnant." It fits. I felt that I had been doing something wrong. I must not be plugged in enough or simply not with it. Don't get me wrong, I feel as if I have grown spiritually, but not as a result of church leadership. God has placed incredible angels around me that challenge me and hold me accountable in words and actions. To them I am extremely grateful and proud to call them friends.

However, after months of prayer and seeking advice from wise counsel, what we realized is that God leads us many places. My wife and I have lived in 6 places in almost 10 years of marriage. Our lives and careers have winded in ways we could never have expected. What we also realized is that there are many reasons people attend and become involved in their churches. For us it simply was seeking spiritual growth through strong leadership and direction. I want to know where the ship I'm on is headed confidently and surely. I want harmony. I want the words, decisions and actions of my church to reflect the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission. I want to know that the money given will support those endeavors.

We go to church to grow spiritually. Often times we stay because of commitments, friends, and guilt. It is tough to look outside your comfort zone. When you feel that God may be leading you to a new place in life, it sometimes comes with trepidation and questions. No doubt. But if I have learned anything this year it is to seek God's guidance and to follow His plan. Just like many who have wondered where God is leading them, so do I. It may be somewhere else, or it may be to gain some experiences and to remain. We will continue praying, seeking His will, and following that path.