Just Be Good for Goodness Sake?

We've decided this Christmas season we're going to find several church services to attend.  Why?  Well, we'd like to deliver a message to the American Atheist organization who is running an ad campaign this year that says:  "Skip church and just be good for goodness sake."   

Not that two people can change the data -- you know "Church attendance at record high levels this Christmas" -- but that contrary streak in me wants to show somebody something.  Which just goes to show, that perhaps "being good" isn't a natural human trait at all.  

And, I heard it suggested by a news anchor that the idea of "being good for goodness sake" just might open the opportunity for a conversation about:  What is good anyway?  And whose goodness are we taking about? Is my goodness enough?  Or is it only the "Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control",  (Gal 5:22, NLT)  Wouldn't that make an interesting conversation over the water cooler?

I'm thinking it would be fun if the athiests' campaign backfired and prompted record high church attendance this season.  Not that church attendance is in and of itself "goodness" either.   "Goodness" comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ and is the work of the Holy Spirit.   On the other hand, church is a very good place to go to improve that relationship and release the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.   

 So, this Christmas season, we plan to visit a church or two besides the services at our own congregation.  Worshiping with fellow believers will be an uplifting experience.   Anybody care to join us?   Find somewhere to worship this Christmas season.