Have you ever heard or used the phrase, “going to church”? It is an action that has multiple meanings dependent upon the individual utilizing the phrase. It is mostly used to state that the individual is going to a place of worship. Many individuals spend a lifetime going to church but collectively we must understand that there is more to the action of going to church than attendance. The overall purpose of going to church is to go to a place of fellowship, to learn more about the Almighty Father and His kingdom, to be in the presence of the Almighty Father with other believers, to receive healing, to receive confirmation, and to receive revelation. There are not a set number of times that we should go to church but there is a time when we must recognize the effect of “going”.
Going symbolizes a step in the right direction, recognition of our own faith and others recognition of Christ Jesus within us. Many believers know that they have Christ Jesus within them and seek a closer relationship with Him whereas many others accept Him as Lord and Savior but think they have to keep “going in search” of Him. Bruce Lee once said, “Some people spend their time riding a horse looking for a horse”. This is similar to what Christ Jesus said, “The kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen, no one will say look here it is! There it is! Because the kingdom of God is within you.” Then there is the Apostle Paul that gave these words to the Corinthians, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Our going to church also signifies a powerful movement for the kingdom of God that the enemy wants to minimize but Christ Jesus showed us through His own works to keep going to the church and keep going throughout the world to spread the Word of God.
In keeping with what Christ Jesus said in the Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”, which adds to us having a church home. As Christ is inside of us we shall also be on assignment in many other places such as the grocery store, places of employment, malls, other countries, and many other places. While we’re going throughout the earth there will be others that will see us going because of our Christ-like light thus they will be drawn onto us so that we can continue to complete greater works. There is always work to do for the kingdom of God because there are so many lost sheep. Believers have to keep “going” to the churches and throughout the world for the sake of the kingdom of God. Going is a way of life that is contagious and it is like a switch that remains in the on position hence the “going mode”. Which “going mode” are you in? Some individuals are in three modes at a time (not including Decision Mode).
- Going (Decision Mode) – The mode of going while considering becoming a believer. Tomorrow is not promised!
- Going (Garrison Mode) – The mode of going to fellowship in one place for confirmation, affirmation, healing, teaching, and revelation.
- Going (Special Forces Mode) – The mode of going because you are called to be a Bishop, Evangelist, Teacher, Elder, Deacon, and or any other special gifts given to complete specific tasks for the Church.
- Going (Deployed Mode) – The mode of going out to spread the Word of God according to the teachings of Christ Jesus throughout the world.
May all of us keep “going” and stay effective in our “going” which will add to our greater works for the kingdom of God. We need more believers going because there are too many lost sheep that are “staying” in places of zero growth. When Christ Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few”, He was also highlighting that we are in need of more believers to be active outside of the church walls to assist with saving souls. Christ Jesus walked the walk for many reasons and one of the reasons was to show us what right looks like. He could have completed all of His work within the temple walls but He went out and did mighty works for the kingdom of God.
Christ Jesus came so that He would go and as He went many were saved, healed, and inspired by His going. His going was also another way of Him showing His love for all who believe in Him. Our way of going must imitate His in the fact that we will be showing love to fellow believers, our neighbors and family members. All of us must be diligent in our going because there are some that might be in a situation like the rich man who was on the wrong side of the gulf asking Abraham for a favor (Luke 16:19–31). The rich man knew that his family members were not obeying the Almighty Father thus he wanted Lazarus to be sent back to warn his family of the consequences of being disobedient to God. This is another important reason for us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves! Our going is bigger than us! As we continue our going, we can and will inspire many to be Christ-like instead of them loving the world more than the kingdom of God.
The significance of our going also assists others in recognizing those that are using the doctrine of Jesus for their personal gain and it helps to recognize the false teachers. The Holy Spirit strengthens us in our going thus we are always equipped to test the spirit by the Spirit whether we are inside a church or outside of the church walls.
The main objectives of our going are to assist with the growing of the Church, inspire others to start and keep going, and to show Christ Jesus that we love Him and we will keep His commandments. Finally, our going pleases the Almighty Father God and it will be great to hear Him say to each of us, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”