I can't be bothered to go to church today

[AnythingButMagnolia]

I do worry sometimes that I am, well I don't know, not 'committed' enough.

I just thought I'd rather have a lie in this morning. Am I bad?

If you go to church regularly, do you feel bad about bunking off?

I always feel I need to have an excuse a bit like a sick note.

In fact I should just be able to say (if asked 'see you on Sunday?' "No I have other plans" (without specifying that those plans are to slob around the house in pjs, go on MN & drink coffee.

[Frogletmamma]

Until today I had only been in for 2 weeks out of the last 9. 2 weeks I was working for a charity, 4 weeks we were away from home on holiday/ visiting family. And yes one week we just felt like a lie in. Went in this week and everyone was really concerned...as a result I felt a bit morally suspect. Still I guess it would be worse if noone noticed!

[Catinabeanbag]

Who's telling you you 'ought' to go? You, or someone else?

And committed to what / who?

I"'m not sure it says in the bible that we have to be in church every week without fail. It does talk about meeting with believers, but that doesn't have to be (sunday morning in a big building) church. It can be a walk with a friend, a phone call, a small group..... all sorts.

I think it's about one's relationship with God, not whether we're in church on a sunday or not.
I've not been to church for more than 10 years, and when I made the conscious decision to not go, and wasn't struck down by lightning (!), the guilt about 'should / ought' just lifted, which was very freeing. Now if I do go, it's because I want to, not because I feel I ought to.

[AnythingButMagnolia]

It is the assumed concern that you must have been unwell / people asking next week if you are/ were ok etc.

I sometimes wonder if I should just say "yes thanks, I'm fine, I had s busy week and just fancied a lie in". But the hardcore (mainly older) regulars would be a bit I think,

I don't feel guilty and agree it's not 'necessary' - but I seem to be on a different planet to those people who go come what may. Maybe they just never feel the need for a lie in and a lazy day in PJs.

[donajimena]

I stopped going to church because I was exhausted. Every day of the week up and out the house at the crack of sparrows. So don't worry about it.

[Frogletmamma]

Its a really old fashioned thing that you either miss church for 1. illness or 2. a mission of mercy. If you are too exhausted don't go. God wants you to praise him with an open, thankful heart not just because its Sunday and that time already. When you do have a few moments pray and reflect, or maybe read a verse of NT and think about it. Faith isn't just presenteeism!

[woodhill]

I'm the same. Starts too early and goes on too long. I too want a lie in.

I've never been very committed. Some people revolve their whole life around it.

[PurpleAndTurquoise]

I do feel better if I go to church so I go most weeks. I have to say though I do like the church at 4 services!

[Niminy]

Yeah I often feel like that. But as I'm normally leading the service I can't miss it.

Of course going to church isn't compulsory. But here are a couple of things to consider.

1. The more you do something the more committed you become to it, because it becomes an integral part of your life. That's why people say to make exercise part of your daily/weekly routine.
   
2. Communities become loving and nurturing because people commit to them. The people who go every Sunday keep it going in between the times you turn up.
   

And, as the old saying goes, Jesus got out of the tomb for you, surely you can get out of bed for him

[gabsdot]

I go to church every week because I love my church meetings and get a lot out of them.
We even go to church when we're on holidays and we've had some lovely experiences attending church mtgs in different parts of the world.

[springydaff]

I don't just go to church for me but for other people. I might say or do just the thing somebody needs that day.

ok to take the day off sometimes though.

I go to a church that has the shortest possible service. Suits me perfectly. Plus it's in the evening so I stay in bed in the morning and listen to the Archers.

[HJE17]

Niminy, I just shared your post with my small group and have saved it as a note on my phone. Pretty much the modern equivalent of fastening it to the doorposts of my house and on my gates! 😂 Thank you. I genuinely needed that reminder.

[Rebecca36]

The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. You go when you want to!

[BlackeyedGruesome]

maybe you need a different church. it might be that you are not in the right one for you. last church I went due to obedience, gritted teeth, this one I go because I look forward to it, it feels like a comforting warm place. I am a bit adverse to change so should have left sooner.