I remember watching a movie where a patient was taken to the hospital by ambulance. When the EMTs situated the patient in the emergency room, the doctor entered and asked the patient, “What is going on with you today?” In which the patient replied, “You’re the doctor! You tell me!”
Going to the emergency room and not telling the doctor why you are there will not make you any better. Plus, it can be expensive! What about going to a restaurant, sitting at a table, but not telling the waiter/waitress what you want to eat? Could you imagine requesting to see a store manager, and he or she asked, “What can I help you with today,” and you stand there and say nothing? Try going to a mechanic and demand your vehicle to be repaired, but not telling him what is wrong.
We would not behave this way in these scenarios. It does not make sense. It is counterproductive. And it is just weird. You would not go to the hospital with pain and tell the doctor everything is fine. You would not go to the mechanic to get some noise checked out but tell your mechanic nothing is wrong with your vehicle. So, why do so many attend worship and never seek help for something amiss spiritually? Why do so many who are living sinful lives convince themselves that nothing is wrong?
There are myriad reasons why, but it just does not make sense. The church is kind of like a hospital. You are surrounded by people who love you, who care for you, who pray for you, who what nothing but good for your life. The church is the place where Christians find rest, comfort, and understanding. The church is where Christians find healing, refuge, hope, and forgiveness. The church is where Christians can confess their sins, one to another, and make things right with the Father. The church is where we go when we need an E.R. Not an emergency room, but an eternal restoration. James 5:16 tells us, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” WHAT A BLESSING!
At Mars Hill, you are loved, cared for, appreciated, admired, wanted, welcomed, and safe to seek spiritual help. This is what church is all about. We are family. We all struggle. We all need help from time to time. But unless we reach out and seek that help, others may never know we are struggling.
How can we help you? How can we pray for you? Let the church provide you eternal restoration.
Love you with the love of the Lord~ Chris