Preta in the Pew

READ: Hebrews 10:19-25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.
Hebrews 10:25


Unlike a lot of people, Preta goes to church every Sunday by himself. He leaves his home in Sobrado, Portugal, at 5 a.m. He walks barefoot 16 miles to get to church. When the church service is over, Preta makes the long walk home, accepting a ride only when he knows the driver. Impressive? Preta’s owner thinks so. Preta, you see, is of the canine persuasion.

When Reuters reported this pattern last year, it didn’t say who or what prompts this perky pup. But it did say that Preta has pumped up attendance in the pews. A plethora of parishioners go simply to get a peek at the pooch!

There are many reasons people attend church beyond seeing a dog in the sanctuary. A University of Michigan study found a relationship between the frequency of church attendance and the economy. When the economy is up, attendance is down. After 9-11, a rise in attendance was noted. Many people were drawn to church, most likely because they were desperate for answers in a world that suddenly seemed out of control. But did the trend continue? Not too surprisingly, no.

Some believers find it difficult to take the time to meet regularly with other Christians for worship and encouragement. Some find Sunday mornings to be an excellent time to catch up on sleep. Their bodies may be more invigorated, but their interest in a strong spiritual life may be nodding off.

Some believers in Christ have been hurt by someone in church. Others feel bitter or skeptical and turned off by hypocrites in the church. Some feel guilty about going to church on Sunday and living like an unbeliever the rest of the week. It’s easier to avoid getting that conscience-thing started.

We can use lots of excuses to avoid going to church. But when we desire to follow Christ, we must obey the instruction in Hebrews 10:25. We do this not out of obligation but because of Christ’s promise: “Where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). You’ll want to be there for that! —Cindy Kasper

REFLECTION

• How much time do I spend in prayer before I go to a service at my church?

• If I don’t “get something out of it,” do I feel that I’ve wasted my time? Why is that true or not true?

• Why do I need to meet with fellow Christians to maintain a healthy Christian life?

Church is a great place to go . . . and grow!

campus journal