Just a Bunch of Rules?

One of the biggest arguments against the church is the age old comment: "Why would I want to go to church? It's just a bunch of hypocrites. I can keep doing what they do and not have to pretend to follow God's rules to be better than I am."

That's just a bunch of hooey.

First of all, the church is full of sinners. I am a sinner who fails God daily, and I go to church. Does that make me a hypocrite? No, not necessarily. I confess my sins, and I admit my faults, even if it takes longer than it should sometimes. I know I can't do right without God and the encouragement, accountability, and reprimand of other Christians. God has humbled me enough in my life to make me see how sinful I really am and how much I need Him to do things right.

Secondly, I don't just strive to follow God's rules to say I follow God's rules or to please other people. I have come to understand through breaking God's rules that His commands are there to protect me. For example, many people believe that sex outside of marriage is acceptable even though God is pretty clear it's a sin. How does choosing to have sex just within marriage protect us? He protects us from disease, heartache, unwanted pregnancy, and a host of other problems. Avoiding getting drunk? That protects us from addiction, embarrassment, unkindness towards others, and many other ridiculous things we could do if out of our right minds. I could give you an example for every "rule" if needed. God loves us and wants His best for us, so he gives us a way to live that protects us from ourselves. We are our own worse enemies.

Are there hypocrites in church? Absolutely! Nothing in this world is perfect. Nevertheless, will you do me two favors? First, please don't call people hypocrites without admitting your own desire to choose sin over pleasing God. Because if you don't, you're just as hypocritical. Secondly, read your Bible and find an example of a command God gives us that isn't for our own (and others') good. Hint: It's not possible.