And this small conversation elated my heart and nudged me on. They literally love this place!
You see, I recently ran across a Facebook post that said “I want to raise a Jesus kid, not a church kid”. I got it, I really did. Mentally, my mind wrapped all around it and I understood exactly what the message was trying to convey. The problem was, my spirit just couldn’t quite agree with it. It was immediately after my daughters had this small, innocent, every-day conversation in the car that I finally understood why.
It’s because church isn’t just a weekly duty for us to check off our list. It’s not just four walls that encapsulate a message that isn’t meant to escape through the doors. It’s not only where we sing songs but where we are changed by the lyrics. It’s where worship moments are created that teach us how to feel Him even when we are walking through our homes, or work, or schools. It’s not just where a message is preached but where a message is retained, planted, and left to grow. It’s where we walk in freely and leave changed.
This place has not only been a beacon of light that has drawn us in, but it’s also been a sustaining light that keeps our paths clear. We have found friendships, prayer partners, stability, refuge, moves of the Almighty, new beginnings, and challenges to go further, dig deeper, and be better in this place. We have learned how to connect to God and how to connect to others. Those in our church and those in our world. Growing closer to Him while reaching those around us.
So yes, I do want to raise Jesus kids but I truly believe that a church is able to help us develop just that. A Jesus kid. A church loving, church appreciating, Jesus kid.
Hebrews 10:25 KJV
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
I encourage you today to ask the Lord to open your heart and lead you to such a place. A church that is a vital part of your, ever-developing, “Jesus kid’s” life.