Moroni 6:4

"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith."
Moroni 6:4


It's interesting how we see church as a burden sometimes, when really it is a gift, only to help us to remember and to stay in the right way.  I know that I have had times where I sat in Sacrament Meeting and thought I was being tortured. :)  Sincerely though, we need the help that church offers.  It is too easy for us, individually, to forget all the things that are important.  We start taking God for granted, not *needing* him in our daily walk... we slack on our prayers, we stop reading our scriptures... and when the good things start going, bad things slink in to take their places.  When we have someone around to help us remember, then things are easier, even though it is still in our individual lives that we have to maintain our contact with God.  And somehow, just being in a roomful of people that believe... it can uplift our spirits just to join with them, if we let it. :)  I think the difference comes depending upon whether we feel inclusion or exclusion... and that is up to us, and how we identify ourselves.  Are we a stranger at church, thinking that everyone else is there to judge and condemn?  Are we there to judge and condemn, and think of everyone else as sinners?  Or, finally, are we one among many... all with faults and limitations... there to help each other and build each other up?  To remind each other, gently, of what is important, as your best friends will always do?  Today, be watchful unto prayer, my dearest friends... as I will be.  Remember Christ, and the infinite opportunities and love that he offers all of us.