Adoration or Obligation?

I know I've mentioned it before, but it bears repeating, what is your motivation for attending a church service? The answers will vary, I'm sure; force of habit, peer/parent pressure, companionship, and hopefully, a desire to worship makes the list.

It's my opinion we've replaced joyful Adoration of the Living God with lifeless obligation. Some will argue that filling a pew trumps not attending at all, but does it?  Imagine you invite someone you love to your home for a visit.  You prepare special food, tidy up and put on their favorite music.  When they arrive they plop in a chair, pick at the goodies, converse only when it's necessary, and keep a watchful eye on the clock through it all.  After an agonizing hour, they excuse themselves and head for the door, and freedom.  Heartbreaking, isn't it?

Let's be honest, we've all been that rude individual at one time or another, especially when it comes to spending time with God. I've heard may folks remark that they like to "go to church" on Saturday so they have it done, and are free to do what they want the rest of the weekend.  Just like the host who had prepared his home so lovingly, only to be crushed by the guest's indifference, God isn't pleased with an obligatory visit from us either.

 True adoration can only be achieved by knowing your host in a personal, intimate way. "How can I achieve such closeness with God, you might well ask.  Like any human relationship it takes time.  Time spent getting to truly know him, on your own, independent of what parents, or church leaders tell you, you must do.  No one can make you love God, no more than they can force you to love another person.  It must develop between the two parties.

 Do you feel like going to church is more of an obligation than precious time spent with the one you love?  Fear not, you're not alone, I was there once myself.  Find your Bible and start reading it.  If you're not sure you understand it, good, ask him for understanding,  find a study/prayer group,  and pray, pray, pray!  No friendship matures immediately, so give it time, and I guarantee, that when you sincerely seek him, you will switch from obligation to pure, free-flowing adoration! Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5