WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?

Not very many ask the question seen in our title above. Usually they don’t question the wisdom of attending. Instead, they offer their excuses for not attending. Sometimes they are valid, sometimes they are transparent. This seems to send a message far stronger than I could put into words for an article. If one makes excuses for not being present, it is as good as a confession that attendance is not important. If attendance were not important, we would not make excuses, but instead question the necessity of it.

So why should I attend all of the services? Concentrate on these important aspects of assembling, and shut out the distractions that would lure you away from attending services as you should.

Do you think of yourself as worshiping the creator of all when you attend services? We must not forget that we assemble to worship, and that God is the object of our worship. We are very keen on John 4:24, which tells us that those who worship God must do so in spirit and truth. We emphasize the truth, but sometimes forget the spirit. Our hearts must be in this effort. Our minds must be considering the things said and done, directing our attention to the throne of God. Unless we do this, all of the truth under heaven will not save us! Let us say as David did: "I was glad when they said to me, ‘let us go into the house of the Lord.’" (Psalm 122:1)

I’ve many people in the past say, "I just don’t get anything out of the service." I must ask in reply, "What do you want to get out of services?" We have become so entertainment oriented that we can’t enjoy an hour of giving instead of getting. That’s what worship is. Paying homage to someone else. We have gathered to give our hearts to God. Edification also involves giving. Our presence gives encouragement. Our singing teaches and admonishes (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). So at the very least I must ask, "If I received no joy from the service today, where was the joy of having given of myself?"

I’ve actually seen visitors show up at a service and ask where a couple of the members were. They knew they attended there, and for that reason had come. In each case, they were members who didn’t seem to think it necessary to be at all of the services. As a matter of fact, they were invited to a gospel meeting, but found that the one who invited them wasn’t there.

I’ve heard children ask why so and so didn’t come to all of the services. I wish I could have said it was because of health or necessary work; but I could not. You see, they just weren’t interested in serving God with their whole heart. Our young people see a great deal more than we imagine. The truly sad aspect comes when the children can’t come because the parents just won’t try. Here is a genuine case of sowing the wind. I’ve seen cases of children who grow up and won’t serve the Lord; but then their parents only served the half-heartedly to begin with. Remember this: Your children won’t learn to serve the Lord with a whole heart if you teach them to serve half-heartedly (Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 5:14; Proverbs 22:6). Coming to services is an important aspect of your child’s spiritual education.

When we think to ourselves, "I’m not really going to get anything out of this class/sermon." Are we really taking in the full picture? Of course, we’ve already asked, "What do you except to get out of the service?" And your answer may not truly reflect your feelings deep down. But have you considered your brethren? Have you thought about the effect of an empty pew on them? Have you considered the young people here? Have you thought about the effect of an empty pew on them? Have you considered the visitors that may be present while you are absent? Have you thought about the effect of an empty pew on them? The old adage rings true which says, "The empty tomb affirms Christianity, but an empty pew denies it"

Let’s not think only of ourselves as it comes time to assemble with the saints. Let’s remember others as well.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3 & 4)

Bob Pulliam via Receiving the Word, Volume 14 #42, 10/23/2005 p. 169-171 www.conroechurch.com

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