At
first glance, this statement sounded contradictory, but then – I
realized it is SO TRUE. Why? Well human beings are creatures of
habit. Once we form a habit, it becomes almost automatic; its
something we just do, period. But, when you break the pattern of your
life that includes that habit, things change. You look for other ways
of “filling up your day” and place priorities on different
things.
What
happens when you “miss church”? You miss the celebration of the
Lord’s supper, the fellowship of kindred minds, a commitment to
your LORD and MASTER, the beauty of hymns praising God and allow
other things to take their place. Reality is: people get sick, the
car breaks down, you might accidentally forget to set the alarm and
many other things can happen that could would seriously interfere
with your ability to be with other Christians and worship God.
If
you have attended a church of Christ for any length of time, you will
notice that there is a strong emphasis on attendance. Undoubtedly,
you may have heard Hebrews 10:25 again and again and again. But, not
so often do we hear the verse couched within its context. The writer
to the Hebrews says this…
Hebrews
10 ( World English
Bible )
[24]
Let
us consider how to provoke one another to love and good
works, [25] not
forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but
exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day
approaching. [26] For
if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the
truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, [27] but
a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire
which will devour the adversaries. [28] A
man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word
of two or three witnesses. [29] How
much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who
has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of
the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has
insulted the Spirit of grace? [30] For
we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord,
“I will repay.” Again,
“The Lord will judge his people.” [31] It
is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
If
we make it a willful habit to forsake our assembly, we insult the God
who gave his life for us. Jesus suffered, bled and died for us and
then we can’t be bothered to even attend worship services! I
wonder, how God feels
about that? Occasionally,
I think he would understand, but habitually, not at all. Put in human
terms- he would doubt our love for him and our commitment as his
disciples. Don’t put yourself in the position of having Hebrews
10:31 apply to you, for it would be unpleasant to say the least. Love
God and the brethren, worship the creator of the universe and the
savior of your soul. Be very, very careful about missing the assembly
(church). I say all these things, because I love all my fellow
Christians and want the best for them! Consider
yourself provoked to love and good works.
P.S.
one last thing –
Come Sunday- BE THERE!
Come Sunday- BE THERE!