I mentally debate weekly between church service or study time. What gives?? Im NEVER sorry when I choose church, but I still feel like I am dragging myself away from my books EVERY Sunday! Even if I just watch Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley or Joyce Meyer on You Tube that week, how can I prevent feeling "guilty" for not studying? I know that I need my 3 hour service every week for motivation, priority reminders and the (rare) social connection, apart from my BSN program. What other mantra can I tell myself then for spending a fraction of my week to keep up with my personal, spiritual maintenance?
Maybe it isnt so different than making "me time" or "family time" a priority like so many other students struggle to balance, though I feel like it is. My time with God, in church, IS my me time & is very satisfying. Besides I wouldnt even BE blessed with this wonderful mission to become a nurse, if not for God opening doors towards my new life fulfilling purpose. But I am torn between fulfilling my mission to learn the skills needed to successfully help others vs. putting time with God first, sigh. So, guess my question is this ... Is dedicating myself primarily to successfully becoming a nurse a noble justification for neglecting my church time? Or am I just plain ol' idolizing my career?
The bible clearly says in Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching
This. ^^^ Church is for being fed the Word, but it's also for corporate worship and fellowship with other believers. Listening to recorded sermons is fine (I'm listening to RC Sproul as I type this!), but not a substitute for church. Are you currently dedicating ALL of your free time to studying? No breaks ever? If not, then you can redistribute your time to free up your Sunday a.m.
And if you are studying non-stop, you should be taking breaks. You'll burn out before your career begins! God even rested from His work of creation on day 7, not because He physically needed the break but as an example for us. "The Sabbath was made for man" (Mark 2:27). It's not physically or spiritually healthy to work 7 days a week.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
Don't worry about "going" to church. You are called to a relationship with the Lord not with a building. Promoting a legalistic attitude about how you live that relationship will steal your joy in the long run.
My recommendation, feed yourself the word, pray often, consider gathering with other believers other than on Sunday which is a difficult day for you.
Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.
Fellowshipping with other believers is important. Studying for your school work is also important. I've been torn in the past as well, but decided that if God called me to serve Him via the nursing profession, then He would help me study during times that didn't conflict with corporate worship. However, it is for you to decide what He would have you do. No one else can make that decision for you. Yes, He will be honored by the time you spend in corporate worship. Yes, you will be blessed by doing so. Perhaps, finding a time other than Sunday mornings to study will give you a sense of peace. Hang in there.
Hey =) Im from Anchorage too, moved to Vegas few years back ... Im going to friend request you and thanks for the great advice on my post I tried to PM you but yours is full ~
You know, it's really offensive to say that those of us who practice a religion where we are actually required to attend services have a relationship with a building. No. We have a relationship with our God and follow His laws. I could say that people who say you have no obligations on the Sabbath are lazy and self-serving, but I don't, so don't tell me that my religious obligations mean I have a relationship with a building.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
You know, it's really offensive to say that those of us who practice a religion where we are actually required to attend services have a relationship with a building. No. We have a relationship with our God and follow His laws. I could say that people who say you have no obligations on the Sabbath are lazy and self-serving, but I don't, so don't tell me that my religious obligations mean I have a relationship with a building.
Calm down.
I didn't say that those who are "required" to attend services have a relationship with a building. In fact my statement was directed exclusively to one person not a generalization about religion or religious practice. It was a reminder that even if she doesn't attend a Sunday morning service she can still maintain a vibrant relationship with her Lord. There are opportunities for corporate worship other than on Sunday mornings. Remember that the Bible encourages us to gather together in worship, that does not have to be in a church and it doesn't have to be a great number of people with a full worship team and a collection plate.
What faith requires you to attend a religous service?
Does one practice a relationship? For those with significant others, do you practice following laws you are required to obey in order to have the relationship? Or as in all relationships you love the person(s) involved and act out of that love (not out of obligation)? For those that believe a religion must be practiced, and Sabbath obligations required, where and when is there room for grace?
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
All throughout life. Why do you see dedicating time to worship as blocking grace? That's your handicap, not ours.
A person determining that they will dedicate time to worship is certainly not blocking grace. A person living under the impression that they MUST worship in a particular way in a specific place as a "requirement" is succumbing to legalism which may put their grace in jeopardy, IMHO. We are freed from the law and are saved by grace, not by our actions/deeds. What we do with our time and energies is evidence of our faith and grace.
I tried to PM you but yours is full ~
Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN
5,047 Posts
This. ^^^ Church is for being fed the Word, but it's also for corporate worship and fellowship with other believers. Listening to recorded sermons is fine (I'm listening to RC Sproul as I type this!), but not a substitute for church. Are you currently dedicating ALL of your free time to studying? No breaks ever? If not, then you can redistribute your time to free up your Sunday a.m.
And if you are studying non-stop, you should be taking breaks. You'll burn out before your career begins! God even rested from His work of creation on day 7, not because He physically needed the break but as an example for us. "The Sabbath was made for man" (Mark 2:27). It's not physically or spiritually healthy to work 7 days a week.