How Important Is It To Be Here?

by: Gary L. Hutchens

​   Just how important is it to be at services when the church meets?  As Christians, we need to always be examining ourselves to make sure that our lives reflect true faithfulness (2 Cor. 13:5).  We also need to seriously reflect on our spiritual well being.  Just how strong is our faith?  We need to not do anything that could put our souls in jeopardy.

   How important is it to be at services when the church meets?  In answer, we need to consider what is accomplished by gathering with the church to worship God and study His word.  First, we are commanded to so gather (Heb. 10:23-25).  The text states that gathering with the church for worship and study helps us, as individuals, to remain strong, dedicated, faithful (vs. 23).  Being with our brothers and sisters in Christ in that worship setting also provides encouragement and strength for each other (vs. 24).  The “assembling of ourselves together” is key to meeting both needs and is thus instructed (vs. 25).  So, by assembling with the church we (1) help ourselves grow spiritually, (2) we help our brothers and sisters in Christ grow spiritually, and (3) we obey a commandment from God.
   How important is it to be at services when the church meets?  Spiritual growth is vital for our personal well being.  Getting to Heaven is not a casual matter.  It should be the most important thing in our lives.  Jesus stated that most people won’t be there (Matt. 7:13-14).  We should instill the seriousness of the matter in the minds of our children.
   Our lives need to demonstrate “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-25).  The Christian Virtues need to be the virtues by which we live (2 Pet. 1:5-9).  We need to “Be faithful until death” in order to be assured of “the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).  To grow spiritually is to grow in our faith, and faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17).  Worshiping and studying God’s word together with the church contributes immeasurably to our personal spiritual growth.
   How important is it to be at services when the church meets?  Our children desperately need the specialized teaching they receive in their Bible classes.  When parents choose to not bring their children to Bible class, they deprive them of instruction in God’s word that is vital to their spiritual development.  Such a careless attitude on the part of parents can also be discouraging and disheartening to the teacher who prepares to teach his/her class and then finds no students present!
   How important is it to be at services when the church meets?  It provides the right positive example for our fellow Christians and for the multitudes who have yet to become Christians.  One of the most powerful lessons we can give as to the value and superiority of Christianity, as compared to every other lifestyle, is the consistent example of our daily lifestyle (Matt. 5:13-16; Phlp. 2:15-16).  Our purposeful absence from church services can have a profound negative influence upon others.
   Let’s make up our minds right now to commit ourselves to be at every service possible.  It will glorify God.  It will help us individually to grow in our faith.  It will help our children to develop spiritually.  It will provide a powerful example to those around us.  Let’s do it, let’s be at services whenever the church meets…
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