A man was stranded on a desert island for many years. He had lost hope of ever being rescued when suddenly a ship appears, rescuing him from obscurity. As they sailed away, the captain of the ship looked puzzled. He asked the former castaway about the three buildings that were on the small island. The man explained the first building was his home so he would have shelter from the elements. The second building had been his church because he wanted a separate place to worship and pray. As for the third building, he responded it was the church he used to go to.

I’ll pause here for laughter to subside.

In listening to a recent Christian finance advice program, a woman called in asking for guidance. She was a grandmother who had recently been thrust into the role of caring for her four young grandchildren. It was an ugly situation with no support from family. The host, of course, analyzed her bills, income and assets and advised how to manage with such limited resources. However, the best advice she was given was to find a local church … a fellowship of believers who would shower kindness and love on her and those grandchildren. The host commented that within 5 minutes of hearing her story, a Sunday School class would start coming up with ideas to help her family.

People like to tell me they don’t have to be in a church building to worship God. They will recount how a church congregation once failed, offended or falsely accused them of some offense. While it hurts my heart to hear those stories, I encourage them to not give up on church because of an isolated experience.

Jesus Christ knew we would be offended and abused in our lives. When he was asked how many times we must forgive, in Matthew 18:22 He responded with a math equation that may have left people scratching their heads. He had been asked if we must forgive seven times. I wonder if Jesus rolled his eyes as He said, “…not seven times, but seventy times seven.” Really? If we count up to 490 times, are we no longer obligated to forgive? Jesus was using an exaggerative technique similar how I would respond if you asked me if I had eaten nachos seven times. I would probably chuckle and indicate ‘maybe 700 times’. Would I be lying if the real number was 812? Jesus was simply teaching the ‘Doctrine of Having Thick Skin’.

The Bible clearly indicates the New Testament model for believers to congregate, contemplate and celebrate the risen Savior. As with the caller, we can gain understanding of how the church is far more than just a 60 – 90 minute service on a weekend. If she followed the radio host’s advice, she would find an amazing church congregation with people loving each other in a brotherly/sisterly love while meeting needs and encouraging each other as they mutually follow Christ. When I would travel for the Air Force, I would find a local church to worship with during my temporary duty. Usually, I would check into lodging on a Sunday afternoon and examine the church listings in the phone book for a church to attend that evening. I would find an instant family which would encourage me through my stay in their town.

Biblically speaking, church involvement isn’t an optional matter. There are no scriptures allowing for the boycotting of gathering with fellow believers because of past offenses. We live in a secluded world. While we are more connected than ever before in history, we are also more isolated than ever. Watch in restaurants as more people are looking at devices than having conversation. While its certainly time we put our phones down for a minute, perhaps its time we head back to church. The friendships, life support and spiritual growth will astound you and prove to be the best investment of your time. And, when you get on the freeway, don’t forget that ’70 times 7’ thingy.

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Tony “T-Bar” Barnes is a 28-year veteran of the Marine Corps and Air Force. He is also retired from the Department of Veteran Affairs. T-Bar is active in patient advocacy roles and can be reached at tbarnugget@yahoo.com