This encounter happened while traveling overseas. A group of travelers were sitting around an outdoor table. The local resident was talking about different social topics. Then she shifted to asking this direct question.
“You don’t go to church do you?”

• Person # 1- “No!”
• Person # 2- “No!”
• Person # 3- “No!”

I was next. My heart started racing. My mind whispered, “Are we all 16-year-olds? And is this high school peer pressure time again?” It was that moment I realized I was sitting with a group of atheists.

I had seconds to think of a great response, then just as abruptly as it started, the subject shifted, and I was not asked.

That question has haunted me. Of course I would have grunted out a weak Yes, Sounding more like a pig on the way to slaughter.

Today is the day I practice a better answer. Here are some thoughts:

• Church is where my longing to belong is filled. Church is my happy place. It’s so peaceful.
• It’s the place where my spirit loves to sing, my soul finds rest, and my heart is filled with a deep, loving connection.
• Church is where I hear words of hope.
• I belong to God. I am his creation. My heart responds with worship.
• Church is where I see individuals be transformed, my questions get answers, and there I find deep, contentment.
• Church calls me to a big Vision. It is a place of mission, vision and purpose.
• At church I hear a grand eternal story.
• It’s the meeting place of Father, Son, Holy Spirit, myself and millions of others.

So, today if an atheist asks, I’d say, “Yes! I go to church. I love God. Why would I not go to His house?

Prayer

Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for making heaven possible to me. And thank you that what you and I have is satisfying, wonderful, and eternal. Amen.

Bible Connection

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. – 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)