03/12/2026
WAYNE’S WEEKLY WORDS –
It may not seem like it to you, but for some people, it is hard to go to church. You probably are thinking of the backslider or the unbeliever, and that may be true. But there are others who find it difficult and come anyway. They will smile as though nothing is wrong but are torn up on the inside.
Some people find church hard who have been abused by the church or by other Christians. They feel judged when they come. Guilt for past decisions and actions weigh them down. Yet they come with a smile on their face and a handshake for anyone who offers. They sit in their pew desperately needing a word of honesty and encouragement. They need real love and friendship.
Other people come every Sunday, smile on their faces that inadequately try to hide the frustration of family life. The couple fought with the kids and with each other trying to get ready to come. They are so frazzled, they scurry to their pew, sit, and hope nobody notices.
Many others come with their own brand of misery. Finances, health issues, family problems, pressures of the workplace, press on them, scrambling in their minds crowding out anything that looks like worship.
Truett Cathy, founder of Chik-file,` told Jeff Foxworthy that everyone he would see in one of his performances would need encouragement. “Do you know how to tell if they need encouragement?” Truett asked. “If they are breathing!”
As we come to church this Sunday, it will be difficult for many of us – perhaps you. Just know that Jesus will be there with arms open, waiting to take us and love us. You don’t have to pretend to be happy for Him. Just as the hymn says, come just as you are.