Missing church to be the church

[Dagwood]

I've heard many of the same things you stated. Those wives who had "backslidden" husbands would "miss church" and be labeled as giving into the devil's ways. Absolute nonsense. In those circumstances, sensitivity has to be excercised.

For whatever reason, your dad didn't want to come to church. Who knows what kind of witness you were to him? Only God knows. You can't go back and undo anything, except step back and analyze. Then see where you can improve from there. Talk to him honestly, see what he says. That will probably tell you where you can improve without even asking his opinion.

As for how often one goes to church, we've been there and done that. Many times, it's no different than working. Going so much and doing so much, one can easily get burned out. I don't think God ever intended for His people to get burned out in doing His work. Being balanced in what we do, no matter what it is or where, is so critical. Even if we miss church, we're still a witness. We can still fellowship with others around us. It's just a matter of making it a priority to do so. What we do away from the church building is just as important as what's done within it...because we are the church everywhere we go.