When One Leaves the Church

by Tony Huddleston

Of all the sad events I have seen, none is more heartbreaking than observing a child of God, born again by baptism into the kingdom of God, the church, leaving his first love and going back into the world. The apostle Paul experienced this when Demas, a fellow Christian and missionary, forsook the ministry and the church, "...having loved this present world." (II Tim. 4:10).
What are some reasons people give for leaving the church?

1. I don't have the time right now, but later on I will...
a) After I graduate from college.
b) After I marry and get settled.
c) After my children all leave home.
d) After I retire.

This was the reasoning of Felix. ( Acts 24:25). We are not promised another day and we risk hardening our hearts. See James 4:14. Aimore convenient time may never come.

2. The people at the church are not friendly. Do you make an effort to be friendly? I've found that there is no place like the church to find friendly, hospitable people. This after all is a Christian characteristic. ( Romans 12: 10). Proverbs 18:24 states, "A man that has friends must show himself friendly" .

3. I don't seem to get anything out of the worship services. Although we receive a great blessing from worship and service, the purpose of worship is to give praise and adoration to the Lord. (See 1 Peter 4: 11). If this is our prime focus, we won't be so concerned about what we may "get out of it".

4. A lot of people in the church are not living right and many are hypocrites. We can be an example to those people. Jesus told his disciples to be a light to the world. Matthew 5:14. However, what others do has no relevance to our own responsibilities to the Lord and his church.

Conclusion: There is nothing more important in this life than serving the Lord. There are many other "reasons" people may give for rejecting Christ, but nothing is worth turning one's back on the Lord and his church, rejecting his love, sacrifice and offer of salvation. "For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?... Matthew 16:26.

• Opportunities to Serve -Feb 19, 2006
• Have You Seen Us? -Oct 30, 2005
• Calling and Caring -Aug 28, 2005
• Lost Sheep Ministry -Feb 13, 2005
• What Can I Do to Encourage an Unfaithful Child to Follow Christ? -Feb 11, 2001