August 31 would be my dad’s 97th birthday. As I reflect back on his life, I’m more and more grateful every day for this very good gift with which God blessed me. Dad loved Jesus and people and worked hard to set a good example for us kids as he lived his daily life. Almost weekly, I find myself repeating one of his sayings that he used to encapsulate some truth.
One thing I’m particularly thankful for regarding my father is his devotion not only to Christ, but to His Church. Other than when he was too sick to go, which wasn’t often, you could find dad in his pew every Sunday worshipping, praying, and singing his faith. And virtually every one of those Sundays, he also prepared and taught an adult Sunday School class for all who came.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized more and more how rare that habit is among fathers and how crucial it is for the faith development of their children. Instead of looking for excuses not to go, it was Dad’s determined decision to be present each Sunday to honor the God who loved him and saved him.
He didn’t go because he was any less tired than other men. It wasn’t unusual for Dad to put in sixty or more hours a week wrestling deer heads, hides, and other game to maintain his good reputation as a skillful taxidermist and support his family. But that didn’t stop him from being in his place each Sunday morning before God. I’m sure there were Sundays he felt like staying at home. But he didn’t.
I also remember other men in my home church at Valley Pike who were likewise faithful and regular. Men who farmed, made furniture, drove trucks, built houses, or did other demanding labor but who were present each Sunday. Each of them set a powerful example for their families, their communities, and all of us younger boys who are now old enough to decide for ourselves whether to go to church or not.
A friend of mine shared with me recently how his father got mad over something at their church years ago and that afterward his family never went back to that or any church again. As a result, my friend grew up without a church family or the spiritual guidance and nurture it provides. Thankfully he has returned as an adult but not without several years of drifting in between.
Anyone who’s ever been to church will readily admit none of them are perfect and anyone who’s gotten involved in congregational leadership is even more certain of it. Beware, however, of walking away, for when we do, we send a potent message to our children that they will surely not miss. The Church of Jesus Christ may be imperfect but she is His bride for whom He died and through whom He has chosen to accomplish His work in the world.
Additionally, we must careful of what we say about the church, its leaders, and its members. Other ears around us hear those comments and form opinions for good or ill. Even though your frustration may be very great, attempt to work through whatever issues you may have using Jesus’ model in Matthew 18. Only if all such attempts are unsuccessful, at least take your family somewhere to church that they may continue to connect with the God who loves them and other Christians who can do the same.
Church life is often challenging, but it can also be tremendously rewarding. When dad passed away in 2009, his church honored him with an incredible service chockfull with people he had impacted over the years. I’ve watched the same happen for other men and women in various churches who persevered through adversity to set good examples for others. It’s now time for us set those examples and to model faithful discipleship for others who are watching us. Blessings, George