Why do I go to church?

I was recently asked to accompany the sister missionaries in our ward to a lesson. They said their investigator was having trouble understanding why it's so important to go to church every week. They asked me to share some thoughts about why and what keeps me going to church. 

I had a morning to reflect and gather my thoughts together. 

"Why do I go to church?"

"Well, 1. It's a commandment,

And 2......it gives me strength. (Period)"

People complain about 3 hours of church, but for me, I need EVERY SECOND! Weeks are long and hard. Between craziness of family, work and friends, trials and hard times fall on everyone. Those 3 hours are crucial to stay on top of Satan. He tries to bring us down and make us feel like it's not important to go to church. I recently saw a quote that I love, 

"Satan tries to limit our praying because he knows our praying will limit him." 

It's the same with church. It builds me up and makes me stronger. 

I get spiritual armor that helps me withstand the constant blows of the adversary and harsh world. I am renewed and built up on Sunday's. I feel loved by those around me. I feel stronger knowing those in my neighborhood and community are trying just as hard as I am to get through life. We all come to church to make ourselves better and to gain strength from each other. 

We come to worship our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. We renew our covenants to always remember Him in all we do and say. 

Church also teaches our children about the scriptures, and how to live life! My children are taught how to be reverent, how to have fun, sing, and pray. Children will not know how to act if they go to church every once in a while. They have to be trained and taught how to behave in a church setting constantly and consistently. School teachers can see the difference between children who attend church regularly and who don't. Children who attend church can sit still and be quiet during lessons.

Why do I go to church?
 For me, for my family, and for my armor.
I need church to help me fight everyday against Satan. We live in a battlefield. We fight everyday to choose right over wrong. The gospel of Jesus Christ builds you up, it gives you the tools, metal and instructions to build your armor. It teaches you how to defend your homes, your family and your spirit.

Going to church is not easy, but it is DEFINITELY WORTH IT!