Five Wrong Reasons to Attend Church: Aligning Our Motives with God's Purpose

Five Bad Reasons to Go to Church

Are you going to church for the right reasons? It's easy to get caught up in our own preferences and desires when it comes to attending church. However, it's important to examine our motives and ensure they align with God's Word and purpose for gathering as believers. In this article, we will explore five bad reasons to go to church and discover the biblical perspective on worshiping together.

Reason 1: Entertainment

Do you go to church to be entertained? While it's not wrong to enjoy the music and engaging sermons, our primary purpose should be to worship God and grow in our relationship with Him. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 95:6-7, "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand." Our focus should always be on glorifying God and not seeking personal amusement.

Reason 2: Socializing

Another common reason people go to church is for socializing. While building relationships and community is important, the primary purpose of gathering as believers is to worship and grow spiritually. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Our interactions should be centered around edifying one another and spurring each other on in our faith.

Reason 3: Meeting Preferences

Do you attend a specific church because it meets all your preferences? While it's natural to have personal preferences, our commitment should be to a church that teaches and upholds biblical truth. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers, saying, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." When choosing a church, it's important to prioritize sound doctrine and a community that encourages spiritual growth, rather than merely catering to our preferences.

Reason 4: Seeking Validation

Do you go to church to seek validation and approval from others? While it's natural to desire affirmation, our ultimate validation should come from God alone. Galatians 1:10 reminds us, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Instead of seeking approval from others, our focus should be on honoring God and serving Him wholeheartedly.

Reason 5: Consumer Mentality

Do you approach church with a consumer mentality, expecting to be served rather than to serve? Jesus, our ultimate example, came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45). As believers, we are called to follow His example and use our gifts and talents to serve others within the church. 1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace... in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." Instead of focusing on what we can gain, let's approach church with a heart of service and a desire to honor God.

Conclusion

Attending church is not about satisfying our personal desires, but about worshiping God, growing spiritually, and serving others. As we evaluate our motives for going to church, let's align them with God's Word and His purpose for gathering as believers. Let's prioritize worshiping God, building meaningful relationships, seeking biblical truth, finding validation in Him alone, and serving others selflessly. By doing so, we can experience the true blessings and fulfillment that come from being part of the body of Christ.