Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Sunday Really More Than Time To Rest

“He had a full house.”

That’s apparently a big deal for card players, but we know nothing about the game. However, from what we can vaguely understand, there is a unique similarity between the terminology and our thought.

On Memorial Day weekend, not a single pew was unoccupied, the choir loft overflowed, extra chairs were set up in the vestibule and folks were still left standing Sunday morning.

It gave us a warm and appreciative sentiment. On the contrary, often we get depressed, because attendance is so scant.

Oh, of course, on Christmas and Easter, the crowd typically increases. We see people we almost forgot we knew.

Strange that Sunday only comes once a week, most churches only have a planned service that day, and it generally only lasts an hour or less.

Yet, so few people come.

Every argument imaginable has been given for not being there

One of the most common: “I believe. I can still be a good person without attending church.”

Others argue, depending on their affiliation, the Bible doesn’t demand church attendance.

It only qualifies the seventh day as a time of rest. “I always rest on Sunday,” they contend.

While these statements might have some validity, we’ve always looked at it from a different perspective.

Why not go to church instead of thinking of an excuse?

Countless quickly contradict, “What good does it do?”

Our immediate counter: “What can it hurt?”

If for no other reason, time at church provides an opportunity to be with family in a relaxing place out of the hectic rush of life.

Most importantly is respect, appreciation and guidance from a greater power than one’s own personal being.

That brings immediate debate, too, but our resolution always comes from the feeling we get after not being there.

When we miss for any reason, always illegitimate, we have a definite void.

The week isn’t started right, and our attitude and achievement never get up to par until after the next Sunday.

Reminds us of Revelation 2:29: “ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Likewise, First Corinthians 7:17: “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.”

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