8. We build values into their children.
Fifty-two weekends a year, while adults are learning about Scripture, prayer, service and giving, their children are learning lessons about faith and honesty and courage. As a young dad, if I could have only asked for one favor, it would have been that somebody would help me raise great children. The church does this like no other institution in the world.
9. We strengthen marriages.
For most married couples, the spousal relationship is both their greatest joy and challenge. I’ve heard dozens of people say they would pay any price for a good marriage. Churches provide classes and counseling, encouragement and exhortation, practical teaching and principled reasoning on how couples can love each other well. Another priceless favor!
Churches are gifts to their communities.
I concluded from my momentary epiphany that my church does incredible favors for people!
What’s true here is probably true in all 4.8 million churches in the world. Most of us have just never thought much about it. When we do, we sometimes take those favors for granted.
Discouraging church leaders is one of Satan’s most frequent gambits. Pastor: A healthy local church is an immeasurable gift to its community! If yours offers half these benefits, praise God for it!
In fact, if you’ll take three minutes, I’ll bet you can come up with a better list than I did. When you do, thank God for your church!
