I was listening to a message this week that had a bunch of interesting things to consider.  The question "Are you doing God a favor by going to church?" was asked which was followed by "By sitting in the pew, do you think you are punching God's time clock?".

I will be the first to admit.  I'm a very visual person.  I had never considered that visual before, but hearing it and then visualizing, it's very hard to deny that I've seen this.  Even without speaking for others, there have been times I've seen it in my life.

The thought progressed throughout the week in my own head.  When we have a difficult question, what is our response?  Do we assume someone knows the answer and that it's not important?  Do we show up on Sunday and think, I'm glad the pastor knows the answer to that because it saves me a lot of looking (overtime)! 

And so on Friday morning another thought bubble popped into my head.  This one was standing before our Lord and Maker.  We desperately look around because we haven't been searching and seeking previously.  And what are we searching for?  Our pastors.  We need the one (the interessor) who helped us to see Jesus each week.  "Jesus, I'm not prepared!  But I know someone who is!".

I'm not beating on pastors, unless the pastor makes it clear it's his or her way or the highway.  Nor do I want anyone in comments to beat on pastors.  Because we are accountable before God.  Not just our pastors.  So check out sermons.  Check out online resources.   Make sure what you are hearing is accurate.  Does it stand up against God's word? 

So don't show up on Sunday just to punch a time clock and put up another brick in the wall.