How Much Is Too Much?

            At a recent Christmas gathering a humorous incident occurred that led to some amusing comments. One family with small children came to the event in two separate vehicles. When one spouse had to leave early to prepare for an event at their church, instead of switching all safety equipment for the little ones, they just exchanged vehicles. However, the departing spouse had keys to both vehicles and left the remaining spouse without use of their transportation. They were unable to make it to the church event because they were stranded. Several options were offered to correct this mishap. None proved feasible and the parent with the children totally missed out on the church event.

            In an effort to offer some perceived sanity to the situation, another relative remarked that the church would still be on Sunday and missing once when the doors were open could not do any harm.

            This begs the question: How much is too much time at church? There was considerable discussion about this topic and being a pastor, I had to bite my tongue so as not to create any further uproar or tension. For some people, anything more than Christmas and Easter each year is too much. I have even heard the absurd comment that I can worship God just as well on the golf course. Remarks like that show just how shallow their concept of worship is and usually in the next breath they are cursing God because their ball didn’t end up where it was supposed to go!

            Others attend more often, as their schedule allows. By saying those words “as their schedule allows,” reveals the priority attending church has in their life. It is important until something “more” important conflicts with it. These people fill in their calendars with functions and activities and, if there is any remaining space, they pencil in church. There are several legitimate excuses for not being able to attend on Sunday mornings. Sometimes work schedules do not allow for participation on Sunday mornings. Law enforcement and medical professionals qualify for this exemption because these occupations do not get a day off.  I am not sure if any other fields are essential around the clock.

            In the latter part of the last century when I was growing up, there were things called “Blue laws.” It required that most businesses could not perform certain actions and thus were closed on Sundays. Shopping was one of those actions. I remember how scandalous it was when one large grocery store chain started opening on Sundays. It did not take long for that to catch on and the scandal evaporated. Today is almost impossible to find and establishment that is not open on Sunday. There really is no more sacred time except when the almighty dollar is concerned. Just think of the jump start that many companies now take on Thanksgiving Day to get ahead of the competition for Black Friday.

            Restaurants especially benefit from the church crowd chowing up after church is over. I know several people who go to early church just to beat the hordes. Many places even have waiting lines to get in. Many Christians enjoy this ritual and look forward to participating in it each week. For optimal efficient service to be rendered, the restaurant needs their staff to be there to handle all the customers. If they need to be at work they cannot attend church. While this is good for the financial stability of the restaurant, it does not bode well for the spiritual health of the staff. If church folk would stop patronizing local food venues on Sunday mornings maybe the wait staff could be in church. Have lunch at a member’s home and do the restaurant people a favor and visit their locations during the other six days of the week. This will promote fellowship in the congregation and aid the restaurant employees the opportunity to attend and participate at their house of worship.

            I wondered long after the Christmas event was over, how much time these people spend with their loved ones: spouses, children and grandchildren? Do they look forward to it and make plans or is it a necessary evil which they must endure? Most people, especially grandparents could never spend enough time with their grandkids and they savor every moment. Can you place an amount on that? Is it not time well spent?

            To truly answer this question, the Bible should probably be consulted for insight. How did the early church deal with the idea of how much time to invest in the Body of Christ? Luke tells us that the first church in Jerusalem were together on a consistent and constant basis. God was doing amazing things and they did not want to miss pout on one single thing. Due to this mindset, Luke comments, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.” In addition, they fellowshipped outside the church.

            So, there is the answer to the big question. The Bible has set the standard. Is it over realistic? Well, each individual will have to decide for themselves. It seems we all fall short in this department. But, if we really love the Lord, as much if not more than say our grandkids, we may probably have to devote more time. And churches may have to be open and active more. How much is too much? Only your commitment to him can determine how much time you want to spend with him and his followers.