When Costco Closes but the Church Stays Open

In today’s world, even the most reliable institutions can shut their doors. Take, for instance, a Costco store closing—an unexpected disruption for members who rely on its bulk savings and dependable service. Yet, this modern convenience is temporal. By contrast, the church—God’s house—remains open, a sanctuary for the soul in every season. This profound truth invites us to reflect on the importance of being aligned with a church home.

Practical Truths About the Church

1. The Church Meets Our Deepest Needs While Costco provides for physical needs, the church feeds our spiritual hunger. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 4:4 (CSB), “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” A church home offers the living Word of God, the nourishment our souls crave in times of joy and trial.

2. A Church Home Offers Community and Support Life can be isolating, and even the most well-stocked pantry cannot replace the comfort of genuine relationships. The church is a family, a place where we are known, loved, and supported. As Paul writes in Galatians 6:2 (CSB), “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When aligned with a church, we find encouragement and accountability to navigate life’s challenges.

3. The Church Provides Eternal Perspective The temporary nature of earthly things—even beloved stores like Costco—is a reminder of the eternal hope we have in Christ. The church equips us to live with eternity in mind. Colossians 3:2 (CSB) urges, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” A church home continually redirects our focus toward God’s kingdom.

4. A Place to Exercise Spiritual Gifts Just as a community benefits from the unique services of its members, the body of Christ thrives when each believer uses their spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (CSB) says, “A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.” A church home provides a platform to serve and grow in God-given abilities for His glory and the good of others.

Why Stay Aligned With a Church Home?

In an age where commitments are increasingly casual, being deeply rooted in a local church can seem countercultural. Yet, the benefits of aligning with a church home are both practical and spiritual:

• Stability in a Shifting World: A church home becomes an anchor when life feels uncertain. Its regular gatherings, teachings, and fellowship create rhythms of stability.

• Opportunity for Growth: In a healthy church, we are challenged to grow in our knowledge of God, our love for others, and our effectiveness in living out the gospel.

• An Avenue for Worship and Discipleship: The local church fosters corporate worship and discipleship, essential for spiritual health. Hebrews encourages us: “Let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together…” (Hebrews 10:24-25, CSB).

Conclusion

When Costco closes, we might need to adjust our shopping habits. But when we align ourselves with a church home, we are promised the constancy of God’s presence and the steadfast support of His people.

As believers, let us treasure the open doors of our local churches. They are more than buildings; they are places where we encounter God, grow in community, and prepare for eternity. If you have yet to find a church home, consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28 (CSB): “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Church is always open—not just as a building but as the living body of Christ. May we embrace this truth and find our place in His eternal family.