Why do we have the Church?
In March, it seemed crazy that we would be going a few weeks without church.
And now…
I don’t think I’m alone when I say I’ve really had to examine my “why” for attending church.
If the sacrament can be administered at home, if we take away many of the social aspects from church, if the way we fulfill callings has dramatically shifted…
Why do we go to church?
Moroni reflected on this exact question at the end of his life.
He said that after being baptized, the members of the church would meet together for these reasons: (Moroni 6:4-7)
- To be nourished by the word of God
- To pray and fast together
- To speak about their welfare
- To take the sacrament
- To get rid of all iniquity
Elder Christofferson added in his 2015 talk, “Why the Church?”:
- To be called out in our faults and then repent
- To combine our efforts for more effective responses to poverty and disasters
- To take the gospel to all the earth
- To take part in essential ordinances
- To perform temple work for those who have passed on
- To build up the kingdom of God on the earth
I’ve come to a new realization this year of the separation between the Church and the gospel.
Because they aren’t the same thing.
We can love the Church, but we become converted to the gospel.
Even though the Church’s functions have changed dramatically this year, the gospel of Jesus Christ has never been shut down.
We certainly apply the gospel principles as we interact with our family members, but the Church helps us take that to the next level.
Working and serving with imperfect people, trying to learn and teach from different perspectives…
It’s the perfect place to put all that we know in our head about the gospel into practice.
Now, the thought of corralling two young kids to sit still on a chapel pew for an hour is never one that I think will excite me.
But I’m laying that foundation for my kids.
I’m teaching them the doctrine the best that I can – but I’m showing them that the best applications can come from the way we choose to show up at Church.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
4 Responses
The best way I can think of it is the mathematics of synergy:
2+2=10
I always try to serve and not be served but our personal difficulties have been mounting for quite some time until everything would be coming to a head this week and my hubby trying to take care of things alone. I finally called my RS president and explained multiple problems I was experiencing including mental, emotional, physical to the point of waking up with panic attacks as well as house problems, etc. Cars breaking down, basement flooding, our family getting Covid and so forth.Within hours I had visits for me, 2 retired bros. set up to mow down our weeds ( now we won’t
be fined $100 a day) and repair our broken heater. We’ve been without air/heat since July. (Thankful we had a propane fireplace or we would have had nothing.) If I had not humbled myself to ask we would still be sinking under an endless sea of burdens we did not have resources to fix.
Spiritually it’s even more imperative. A coal knocked out of a fireplace soon goes out. Meeting and serving together fans the flames and nourishes our spirits with the good word if God.
You certainly are having some trials right now, and it’s wonderful that you’ve reached out to your ward family. It sounds like they have embraced you with their love and support.
This is fantastic! You express things that are on my mind so well. Thank you.
You’re so welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it.