Have you ever thought “I wish I didn’t have to go to church today?” or “whew I’d like to sleep in. I’m so tired because Saturday’s are always so busy. I never have time to rest.”
“I’d love to lay here and enjoy my Sunday” is a very dangerous phrase.
If you consistently think like this, you may need to reevaluate your priorities and/or attitude.
Church should not be a burden to your family.
Let me clarify, we all get tired. We are all busy. We all need time to rest but, if you would rather keep your commitments on Saturday and give up worship on Sunday, something isn’t quiet right.
How should we feel about going to church?
Church should be seen as a place of renewal. It should be a time where our souls get fed.
Church is also a place to gather with others who can encourage you.
Church is a place to connect and grow.
So, if renewal, connection, friends, and growth sounds good to you then maybe church should be something to look forward to rather than dread.
You’ll enjoy the benefits of God’s house when you make it a priority.
Why do we get resentful toward church?
The enemy uses this tool to distract us from the place that gives us true strength.
We believe the lie that we need to sleep in on Sunday to feel rested or we need to spend some time together as a family since we are so busy the rest of the week.
The truth is that church and the people we go to church with, should renew our souls and our energy. It shouldn’t drain us.
Sometimes we can be hurt by church people, or sometimes we can feel left out of the social environment.
Church can become something we feel isn’t for us. Maybe we feel like church doesn’t apply to us.
There can be so many different sources of resentment. It’s difficult to say there is only one.
How do we fix it?
Let’s look to see what the Bible says about church.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
The Bible is clear that we need each other and the church. Our lives are better with God.
Once you are convinced, that church is something you need, then you must protect this time for your family.
This may mean that you need rearrange your schedule to accommodate more family time and rest time on Saturday. What is taking half your weekend that robs you of a few hours of church that could re-energize your spirit and set you up for a wonderful week?
If you have harsh feelings toward church, you need to change some things.
Mindset – write down how you feel about church then pray over these emotions. Are they good? Are they pure? Do you have a past hurt that needs to be worked on? Maybe the current church friends have a cliche that makes you feel left out?
Next write out how you want to feel about church. If you need healing, pray. If you still are struggling, ask your pastor to talk/pray with you. I guarantee that you are wanted at church. You may need to get connected.
Schedule – What can you say no to? What needs to be cleared out on Sundays or maybe even Saturdays to allow time and space for church?
If the only day you have to rest is Sunday, you need to reevaluate your time commitments. Maybe Saturdays should be a time to sleep in and do whatever you want as a family.
Reserve Sunday morning for church.
Priorities – Once you have worked on your mindset and cleared your schedule, it’s time to get stubborn for one of the best things you’ll ever do for you and your family.
Setting a priority is nothing unless you follow through and pursue it.
How will you be intentional about church this week?

[…] Check your heart. If you hold a twinge of regret about your time verses going to church, you need to readjust your outlook. Church should not be a burden. It should be a joy to gather with fellow believers to enjoy God. If you don’t enjoy church, pray that God will give you a strong desire to go and that He will help you enjoy the service. If you want more encouragement about this read this post. […]