Church

I had a conversation just recently that made me a little sick to my stomach..( and no it does not have to do with some gross nurse thing). I was having a conversation with a stranger and we came across the topic of church ( I jumped on it b/c: church = pretty big precursor to sharing the Gospel!) Anyway, as we were talking about church this person says "Yeah back then lots of people went because it was the social gathering of the week and it was the place you could see everyone and be seen..I guess that was a good thing for the church.".In my head I was screaming "No!!! That is the WORST thing for the Church..being degraded to a social gathering!!!" However, I just smiled and nodded ( like a big wimp!) I shared what church meant to me etc. & hopefully I will see this person again and share with them that church is more than a social gathering for me because Jesus Christ is more than "just a religious leader". After this conversation I felt a little sick ( mostly because I hadn't been brave enough to tell them their view of the church was twisted & second because I realize that many people still view church as just a "place to see and be seen"). The purpose of Church has been watered down, the way many water down Christianity..wanting to make it seem more appealing or less scary/risky. A place you can go and hear all the "sweet" stories & pick and choose what from the Bible you think still applies or makes you feel all "warm and fuzzy" inside. That's not what Church is meant to be though. Yes, it is a place where you should be encouraged in your faith ( Heb. 10: 24-25) but it is also a place where you go to be sharpened in your faith (Prov. 27:17) ( & sometimes, actually a lot of the time, that hurts!).  Anyway, I still have so many other thoughts on the purpose of the Church and gathering together of the believers, but I don't really have the time or clarity of mind at the moment to get them all down in a readable fashion tonight :) So until next time, think on this: Why do you go to Church? Do you feel like it is something you have to do or get to do? Has it just become a routine part of life with no real meaning?..These are questions I have been asking myself lately and all I can say is I am thankful God is merciful.