As a pastor, I constantly pray for our community and wish for its very best. Most pastors I know do the same, and we seek to serve our community through the good work that our churches regularly undertake.
A recent Pew study released last week reveals what many of us who serve churches already know — that, increasingly, Americans are religiously unaffiliated, meaning they don’t identify with any particular religious group. I lament this fact because I know that, above all else, we are a spiritual people, and without an avenue to express this vital part of who we are, life will feel empty and shallow.
Recent comments by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal made such a point. He said, “We can’t just elect a candidate to fix what ails our country. We can’t just pass a law and fix what ails our country. We need a spiritual revival to fix what ails our country. … We are a united people. We are God’s children. We are precious because we are made in His image. God has created us with a Godshaped void in our hearts, and we frustrate Him by filling it with things and material goods and substances.” I say to that — amen. Of course, Gov. Jindal was perhaps just saying this to gain a political point or two with his base. Nonetheless, there are profound truths in his words. So, what does that mean for you? I want to encourage readers to seek out and establish a relationship with a religious community. If you are already a member of such a community, then I want to encourage you to participate.
As we often say in the Christian churches, Easter and Christmas are not enough. Try to establish a habit of weekly attendance with your faith group. For Christians that I serve, this means regular participation in Sunday worship. It never ceases to amaze me the things that people will allow to subvert their regular participation in their religious community. Make it a habit starting this week to be a part of a religious community, and you will harvest the blessings that come with it.
Matthew Dowling
Pastor
Monmouth Church of Christ
Tinton Falls