Melanie wasn't too sure that a new cable would do the trick, but she paid her $20 for the 25-foot Ethernet cable and hoped the U-verse support tech was right. She didn't waste any time getting home nor did she bother threading the cable around desks and through closets. She was immediately rewarded with Internet access as soon as she connected the receiver to the desktop. She wondered why she had wasted any time rebooting, plugging and unplugging cables, and talking to tech support.
She happily reported to Mark that the great network mystery was solved and that he was back in business. Or was he?
Melanie couldn't understand why the simple fixes she tried didn't get the network running again. But she didn't really care. She was more interested in enjoying the rest of her visit with her mother and her mother's husband, Fran. Mark would just have to use the kitchen computer. She had more important concerns–like beating her mom in Wii bowling.
The next day when her family was gone, Mark's complaints about having to come inside to use email got to her. She went out to the office determined to solve the problem. She repeated all the steps she had used the previous day, but continued to get the same error message: a network cable is unplugged. It could be the computer. She had this desktop sent in for repairs a few months before. But everything else appeared to be working. There was only one thing she could do and she dreaded it; she would have to call AT&T.
Her previous experience with the U-Verse tech support hadn't been the best. Usually she would try every combination of button pushes trying to get past the electronic man to no avail. This time she got lucky and spoke to a real human being pretty quickly. The tech had her repeat several of the things she had already tried in addition to some she hadn't. Nothing worked. When the tech recommended plugging opposite ends of the cable into the computer and the U-Verse receiver, Melanie balked. A long cable was strung between the two going through small holes in crowded closets. The tech then recommended trying a whole new cable.
Melanie couldn't understand how a cable could suddenly be defective (she bought it in January), but she decided to buy a new one. She asked her husband how big a cable she needed and she was off to Wal-mart to buy a 25-foot Ethernet cable.
Mark often called his wife, Melanie, the Web Master. He could handle email, but that was about it. If there were any technical difficulties, he could be heard bellowing her name. The two of them had laughed about the computer guy skit on Saturday Night Live because that's often how she treated him. "Move!" she'd say, and shake her head with disgust about the simple solution required to his computer woes.
When Mark went into the house to report the problem to the Web Master, he was quick to report that he had rebooted. Melanie had taken to telling Mark that she wouldn't even talk to him unless he had first rebooted. Melanie was disappointed that she had yet another "crisis" to resolve and right when she was enjoying her visit with her mother and her mother's husband. But she figured it wouldn't take long to fix. It never did.
Although the U-Verse television was working perfectly, she decided to reboot the office receiver. Of course, Mark hadn't thought to do that. She also plugged the long ethernet cable back into the receiver and computer, just in case something had come loose. Just the day before the DVR had stopped working when the kids accidentally unplugged it. She did not intend to call AT&T only to shamefully report that the equipment wasn't connected properly!
She expected that to solve the problem, so she was surprised when the computer continued to give her the error message that a network cable was unplugged (in case you're half asleep, this is why this novella is called the Great Network Mystery).
Mark was eager to get to his email this Monday morning, as he was every weekday morning. His work as a sales rep for library book publishers and jobbers energized him. For one thing, he could arrive at his home office desk in wrinkled clothes with his hair sticking out in every direction well after 8 a.m., and he usually did. For another, he could find news of big incoming orders via his inbox or phone. He couldn’t wait to get to it, coffee mug in hand.
On this particular Monday morning, he was logged in to his Gmail account, relishing his reading and returning of messages from customers he considered his friends. He wouldn’t have wanted to admit it, but his work also provided an escape from the hubbub in the main house where his wife, in-laws, and six children were enjoying a late breakfast. Perhaps his high expectations for the day was what made the interruption of his Internet service so annoying.
All of a sudden, everything locked up. He suspected that the AT&T U-Verse service that was installed in January was responsible. He hated having to learn new channel numbers ever since then and the occasional interruptions in Internet and phone service irritated him to no end. There was only one thing to do–ask his wife, Melanie, to fix it.
I know a number of Christians who attend church infrequently or not at all. Some of them have had bad experiences with a pastor or church members. Some think the people who go to church are hypocrites. Others think they’re not “good enough” to go to church. A good number complain that thechurch only wants their money. A few are afraid of feeling obligated to go once they start. Quite a few say that Sunday morning is the only day they can sleep in. Still others work or have kids in sports on the weekends. A couple count televised church services as their attendance. Some teens and young adults think church is too boring. Finally, some individuals don’t go to church because their spouse or family members won’t go with them.
With so many reasons not to go to church, why should we make a big deal about it? After all, going to church isn’t going to save us, right? Right. There is nothing we can do, including going to church, to ensure that we will go to heaven to be with God when we die (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, church should be optional, shouldn’t it?
Church attendance is certainly our option as is praying, reading the Bible, and serving God. But there are good reasons for exercising that option, just as there are good reasons to pray, read Scripture, and engage in service:
1.The church is an unrivaled means of support. When you are in need whether physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually, there is no more powerful source of strength on earth than the church. Many times I counseled individuals who were in great need who did not have a church home. I was at a loss in directing them to help. Friends, family, and government agencies can help in small matters, but having a faith family to turn to in times of real trouble is a great comfort.
2. The church is a great source of fun and friendship. The majority of the friends and the fun I’ve had as a married woman have been in church. We’ve had progressive dinners, girls’ nights out, Survivor birthday parties, Superbowl parties and so much more. My current church has a free fitness center so I’ve enjoyed meeting non-church member friends to work out, too.
3. The church provides a simple means of worshiping with other believers. You may argue that Christians do not have to go to church, but you cannot argue that a Christian doesn’t have to worship God. Although we always have good intentions to engage in focused worship by praying, singing, and reading Scripture with others, distractions usually rule the day. Even with my large family, I would be afraid how little worship time we would have if not for our weekly church attendance. The Bible does say where two or more are gathered in His name, Jesus is with them (Matthew 18:20). The problem is with being intentional about gathering in His name at home. If you don’t go to church, worship happens sporadically. Note Hebrews 10:25 which encourages believers not to give up meeting together as some do.
4. The church provides teaching and encouragement from God’s Word. It’s true that you can do Bible studies outside the church. You can even do them online by yourself! This kind of study is wonderful. But there is nothing like being able to ask questions and hearing the encouragement of others who have experienced God’s work in their lives. How often do you hear good news at home? At church, the praise reports balance out the requests for help, hope, and healing. Again, you might get distracted during the week and have no time for Bible reading. But at least once a week you will hear the Truth if you attend church.
5. The church provides a means of remaining in Christ and bearing fruit. John 15:5 tells us that unless we are a part of Christ’s body, we will not bear fruit (described in Galatians as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control). Who among us couldn’t stand to bear more fruit? But how can we remain in Christ? John 6:56 tells us how. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains inme, and I in him.” This is discussing Communion, the eating of bread and wine. It’s true that you can eat and drink these things at home, but if not truly done in memory of the Lord under the conditions most frequently available in church, are you really remaining in Him?
6. The church can give its members a means of serving and finding purpose. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we were created to do good works. Surely the church is not the only place to do good works, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good place to start! Serving in church is what allowed me to build dozens of relationships that have blessed me beyond measure. The church has also given me a sense of purpose. It was meeting fellow church member, Sharon Rohrbach, that was the impetus for me getting to write for Woman’s Day magazine. How many stars have gotten their start singing in church? How many ordinary men and women serve selflessly today and will be stars in heaven one day?
I have twice attended a new church alone. It was quite intimidating! I feel your pain if you are a Christian who hasn’t attended church in a while. However, I pray you will consider attending this Sunday. There are many, many churches with unique people and styles. One of them will be right for you. One more thing to consider: in heaven, church won’t be an optional thing; it’ll be the only thing.
Today I called to have our cable service ended as we've switched to another service. What a simple task, you say! Not for me.
As I imagined the phone call, I felt a knot develop in my stomach. I could hear the customer service rep telling me what a fool I was to switch and that I'd be sorry. I just knew I was going to have to justify my decision and I dreaded it. I tried to cancel service via the impersonal website, but that was a no-go.
Do you ever feel like you're afraid to cut ties to something you know isn't right for you? Do you worry about what people will say? Have you thought about changing churches, jobs, or associations only to let anxiety hold you back?
Since this summer I have been determined to get out my scissors and confront my fears. So I called the cable company. I believe God cares about every detail of our lives, including the cable we're attached to. I also believe that God has a sense of humor. The customer service rep asked me why I was ending service and went on to ask which company I had switched to. I held my breath waiting for the condemnation of my choice. The rep said something much worse: "I hope you get everything you deserve." I was quite shocked! But then he explained, "I don't wish that on you or anyone. I don't ever get what I really deserve, considering everything I've done wrong."
Turns out my customer service rep was a pastor with Dunlop Disease. He said he's eaten so much his stomach has done lopped over his belt. LOL! After we laughed and chatted a bit, he said, "In a few decades, I'll see you in your new home."
Indeed, by the time we get to heaven, we will have cut off every tie, every cable that connects us here. And we need have no fear of it, because cable or no cable, we can remain in the service of our loving Savior.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
I’m a Christian psychologist turned homeschooling mother of six. My life can be a little crazy, so I look for sanity-saving ideas to use and share. I hope you’ll read my About page to learn more.
