And let us
consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one
another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24-25
Today, there seems
to be an air of apathy in our church society when it comes to attending the worship
service. In fact, too many “Christians” have no reservations in choosing a
worldly venue over going to church. Hosts of others simply stay at home, using
one excuse or another.
We have heard
it said that attending the worship service is a privilege; that it is a simple
choice for the professed child of God. It is as if we are relaying the message
to those around us as well as ourselves to, “Gather to worship or stay home, it
does not matter”.
But, we must
understand that the text in the scripture mentioned in the heading of this
writing calls us to DUTY. It is the duty of the children of God to come
together in worship. Yes, it is a privilege, but we must never lose sight of
the fact that we are urged to assemble.
Many parents
today worry if their teenagers will become “swallowed up” by the world. It
seems these youngsters have no zeal for the Lord and his church. How many times
have you heard it said, “I just can’t seem to get my children to go to church
anymore”?
We must ask
ourselves, “What did we teach them as they were growing up in our homes? Usually,
we try to justify ourselves with the answer; “I told them of the Lord and his
goodness; I told them everything I knew about him; I told them of his loving kindness
and of his grace”. But, let us ask again, “What did we teach them, not
tell them”?
The fact is;
our children are taught by our example much more than by our words. Did our
actions speak loudly that attending worship services held no meaning for us;
did we complain in the presence of our children about “having” to go to church;
was it something we did only when it was convenient for us? If we answered yes
to any of these questions, then what do we expect from our children?
We find many
parents today that not only allow, but also actually urge, their children to
choose the world’s venues over the church. Most “modern day” parents feel that
many of the secular activities offered today, are more important for our
children’s welfare and well being; that
the hour or two of worship per week carries no weight in a child’s life. The
consensus is; if any of these activities are being held at the same time as the
church service, then worship is secondary! Never think for a moment that our
children are not watching and learning.
Yes, we are
teaching our children each and every day. So when they make the move to go into
the world to seek its pleasure or when they seek peace outside of Jesus Christ.
Remember, we
taught them well!
As they begin
to grow older and we hear them say “We just don’t have the time for church. We’ve
got just too much on our plates; too many things that we must do”.
When we hear these things emitting
from the mouths of our children;
Remember! We taught them well!
