Philippians 3:17-21 (NASB)
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

My wife and I were recently at a dinner party with friends from our neighborhood. It was a pleasant evening with good company, excellent food, and interesting discussions. Near the end of the dinner, the topic of spiritual things came up. One person said that they were a skeptic even though they do attend church. They didn’t understand why, if God was real, why we didn’t have miracles today like those reported in the Bible. One other person, whose wife had passed away several years ago, said that he still liked to attend church on occasion. It was a time of reminiscing attending church with his wife for so many years.

I realized that there are many reasons why people attend corporate worship. For some it is a pleasant experience with comforting music. It is a reminder of other times, possibly an entertaining hour. For others, it is a place to gather information, to learn, possibly to hear an interesting sermon. For others it is a time to absorb the experience in a way to transform us into the likeness of Jesus.

I have to confess that I have thought of Sunday worship in all three ways. Over the years, I have learned through the Holy Spirit that my time in corporate worship needs to focus on being transformed by the Spirit. That is the main reason, although fellowship and learning are also components of the experience. I test it now by how I respond in word and thought following the service. Do I critique the music selection? Do I analyze the sermon against my knowledge of scripture? Or do I let the Spirit teach me what He wants me to learn from the experience?

Heavenly Father, transform me from my sinful state into conformity with the body of Christ. Forgive me when I reduce your worship to my entertainment. Forgive me when I reduce your worship into a focus on me instead of You. As your Spirit teaches, align my heart and mind with You. I pray in Jesus precious name. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,