Rethinking an Old Addage

There is a revival, of sorts, of an old phrase going around social media these days. It says, "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car." At first glance and even with some introspection, I thought, "Yeah, I can agree with that." But then I thought again when I noticed the list of people "liking" the phrase. It seems that church-goers and non church-goers, alike are readily clicking their like button.

Let's look at the two differing viewpoints that seem to be associated with this phrase.

1. To the churched, this phrase is a challenge. It asks us to examine our hearts and our motives for attending church. Are we there to glorify God, grow in Christ and in love for each other? Or, are we there because it's the thing to do and we can benefit socially?
2. To the unchurched, this phrase seems to present a justification for not attending church. While church attendance, alone, doesn't provide forgiveness for sin or the love, joy and peace that only a relationship with Christ can bring. This phrase can easily become an excuse for not going to church.

But something is missing from this phrase. Something that most people fail to consider. When a person is in right-standing with God - becoming more Christ-like - experiencing true life change, they WANT to go to church. They want to be around and hang-out with other Christians. That is why church attendance is an excellent gauge of where we are with Christ.

It is true that going to church won't make us a Christian, but, then again, neither will hanging out in our garage.