Attendance

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!