ME Time vs. HIS Time: What’s Really Lost When We Skip Church?

It’s Sunday morning. The alarm goes off and the thoughts start racing.
“I worked all week. I gave up part of my Saturday for a community event. Don’t I deserve one day for me?”

The temptation is real. Maybe today could be spent on the couch, out on the side-by-side, or sitting by the lake. None of those things are wrong in themselves. But here’s the question: if I choose me time over worship, fellowship, and renewal in Christ—am I really gaining, or am I losing more than I realize?

What We Miss When We Choose Ourselves

1. We miss God’s design for renewal.
   Church isn’t about rules, routines, or guilt trips—it’s about refreshment. Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” When we skip, we miss the very encouragement that fuels us for the week ahead.
2. We miss the sharpening of our faith.
   Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Fellowship isn’t just being in the same room; it’s God’s way of keeping us sharp, accountable, and reminded of His truth.
3. We miss a chance to give thanks.
   Worship shifts our focus off ourselves and back to God. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!” Skipping worship robs us of an opportunity to realign our hearts to gratitude instead of self-focus.
4. We miss being part of something bigger.
   The church is called the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). When one part is absent, the whole body feels it. What feels like “just missing a Sunday” is actually stepping away from our role in His design.

What We Gain When We Choose Him

1. Strength for the week.
   Isaiah 40:31 promises, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Gathering with God’s people doesn’t drain us—it fuels us.
2. Peace of mind.
   In a noisy, stressful world, worship centers us. Philippians 4:7 speaks of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Church isn’t an interruption of peace; it’s where peace is found.
3. A stronger relationship with Jesus.
   Church isn’t just about attendance—it’s about relationship. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Choosing His presence over our preferences deepens intimacy with Christ.
4. A reminder of purpose.
   Life isn’t just about surviving another week—it’s about living with eternal perspective. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Church keeps eternity in front of us.

So, What’s Really “Me Time”?

It’s easy to believe that “me time” is found in escape, relaxation, or entertainment. But the truth is, the best thing you can do for you is to put Him first. Jesus didn’t design the church as a burden but as a gift—a time to breathe, to thank, to worship, and to grow.

Skipping out may give a few hours of freedom, but choosing worship gives strength, peace, renewal, and joy for the entire week.

The real question is: Will today be about me, or will today be about the One who gives me everything?