What is keeping you from coming to Christ and His church?

In this life there are many things that end up changing or blocking our plans. I remember one time when my wife and I were trying to go to visit a new church but every single road that we took had an accident or construction on it. We ended up going to a different church that Sunday morning. But it might have actually been easier to just turn around and go back home. If I told you all the details you would laugh and possibly think I was embellishing the story a bit because of how many obstacles there were. 

So, what are the obstacles that are keeping you from coming fully to Christ and to His church? 

We might say “I don’t have time right now” or “I don’t know anybody at that church” or “Jesus and me are good” but in reality how many of these are excuses or platitudes? We make time for that which is most important, we go all the time to new stores and restaurants where we don’t know anybody and if you are judgment day honest, is it really well with your soul, or is there something in your heart or life that you know God is talking to you about? Are we willing to drill down deep into our heart and soul to discover why we are putting Jesus and His bride on the back-burner?

• Could it be that we have adopted the idea that Christianity is there for us when we need it, but if it things get super busy or difficult it’s okay to just drop it until life settles down a bit?
  
• Could it be that we have seen other people who claim Christianity yet their life doesn’t measure up to what we think it should so we decide that we are doing well enough without hanging around them?
  
• Could it be that God hasn’t been answering our prayers the way that we want so we are kind of giving Him the cold shoulder until things start turning around in our lives?

Whatever it is that is keeping you from Christ, I can assure you that the obstacle is not insurmountable and in fact the reward of being with Christ far outweighs the cost of getting past the hurdles.

Furthermore whatever it is that is keeping you from church, whether it is the pastor, the worship style, your own lifestyle or business or any other reason, the church is a priceless gift from God to His children and we need to do whatever it takes to plant ourselves fully within it. 

One final thought: very often anger, bitterness, frustration and temporary circumstances/feelings are what keep us from Christ and His church. Is there really any “good” reason to not draw near to the One who died for us and who can bring us full salvation and abundant/eternal life? Is there any “good” reason to not band together with the other imperfect but faith-filled people who are journeying with Christ towards a life of holy love? 

There really is no “good” reason. Let us see the obstacles as what they are: evidence of spiritual warfare and an enemy that hates you and want to do anything in his power to destroy you and keep you from Christ and His church. Take a firm stand against the devil’s attacks in your life and simply draw near to God in faith and make every effort to be in His Word, in prayer and in His church. 

The eternal blessings are greater than you could ever ask, think or imagine!!