Is it necessary to go to church every single day? If not, how often should one go to church? The presence of such questions already shows that a person is giving great attention to their faith and spiritual health and wellbeing, but let’s explore to find the answers being so thoughtfully sought.
The faithful might assume that their call to spiritualism means that they must be in church every day the doors are open. After all, how can the devoted claim a commitment to their beliefs without being in church to demonstrate it?
Father George Rutler wants to make clear that the above isn’t an accurate assumption, and it’s far from a fair and just question. In fact, such an assumption and wrong answer may confine spiritual growth to the will of others instead of being born naturally from the heart and soul of the seeker. So, the real question that should be asked is this: What good is goodness if it’s imposed verses won by trial and tribulation?
To answer that question, look to how the spirit is truly groomed and nourished to thrive.
Grooming the spirit isn’t a call to the outside barber to make a testimony neat and orderly. Such grooming must take place from within via daily activities of devotion, including prayer; meditation; scripture study; and choices in character, behaviors, and mindsets. Of course, this daily grooming is completed by our weekly presence amongst our spiritual leaders and peers for guidance and inspiration in the ‘look’ that’s been created by ourselves.
The cumulative of a commitment to continual spiritual self-works and in-church services is the nourishment faith needs to grow and thrive to its highest proportions. Neither can stand alone in the journey of a believer.
Believers can rest assured that faithfulness isn’t such a restraint that denies room for rest, fun, and works to feed and clothe our families. In all things, there is a time and place. For all things to grow and thrive, there must be balance.
It’s outside the church where faithfulness is tested, and, without these tests, it becomes impossible to go forth in peace to glorify the Lord with each’s life and good acts. Duty is not to sit idly upon the church’s pews merely reflecting on living out one’s faith. It is to go forth within the trials of fire to apply what’s been learned in church and one’s singular, personal relationship with the heavens above.
The answer to church attendance begins and ends with understanding the required balance of self-initiative with seeking spiritual solace and guidance from the church. How does one obtain such balance?
Father George Rutler firmly believes one isn’t required to attend church daily. Instead, believers will make the necessary commitment to weekly church attendance for prayer and attention to growing their faith within their spiritual group as they simultaneously live day-to-day working on their own personal spiritual development and fulfillment.
In conclusion, come all ye faithful isn’t a daily call to be tangibly present at church. It is, however, a daily call to growing one’s own spirituality from both in front of and behind the church’s doors.
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