In any congregation there is a tendency to see attendance fluctuate. It is noticeable primarily from Sunday morning to Sunday night, and even more so on Wednesday night. It seems that Sunday night and Wednesdays are often treated very casually with an attitude that says, “If I don’t have anything better to do I will be there.” This half-hearted approach is no better than the attitude of the backsliding nation of Judah of whom God said, “Judah has not turned to me with her whole heart” (Jer. 3:10). Maybe it is time for all Christians to be reminded that our lives are a “living sacrifice” dedicated to God (Rom. 12:1). We “die daily” for Him (1 Cor. 15:31). “Showing up” on Sunday night or Wednesday night is not a guarantee of faithfulness, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. Just think about the results of neglecting worship and Bible study opportunities:
You don’t get encouragement--We all need encouragement and God’s design is partly for us to receive encouragement in the assembly by stirring up love and good works (Heb. 10:24).
You don’t get fed with the Word--We don’t neglect physical food so why should we neglect spiritual food? Which is more important? Growing in respect to salvation is the best thing we can do in the middle of the week (1 Pet. 2:2).
You don’t show respect for the elders—The elder’s take care of God’s sheep. Out of respect for them and their continual labor we ought to follow their lead and obey—even on Wednesday night (Heb. 13:17).
You don’t set a good example—Do you have children at home who you are influencing negatively in your neglect? Grandchildren? Husbands/Wives? Friends? Family? They need to see us imitating Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).
You don’t put God first—This is a big one! When you willfully choose to neglect God, He can’t be first in your life. What is more important than committing ourselves to honor Him and His Word at every opportunity. Could it be demanding? Yes. Could it be exhausting? Yes. Will it be easy? No. Will it be rewarding? Yes (2 Tim. 4:8).
~Derrick Coble
You don’t get encouragement--We all need encouragement and God’s design is partly for us to receive encouragement in the assembly by stirring up love and good works (Heb. 10:24).
You don’t get fed with the Word--We don’t neglect physical food so why should we neglect spiritual food? Which is more important? Growing in respect to salvation is the best thing we can do in the middle of the week (1 Pet. 2:2).
You don’t show respect for the elders—The elder’s take care of God’s sheep. Out of respect for them and their continual labor we ought to follow their lead and obey—even on Wednesday night (Heb. 13:17).
You don’t set a good example—Do you have children at home who you are influencing negatively in your neglect? Grandchildren? Husbands/Wives? Friends? Family? They need to see us imitating Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).
You don’t put God first—This is a big one! When you willfully choose to neglect God, He can’t be first in your life. What is more important than committing ourselves to honor Him and His Word at every opportunity. Could it be demanding? Yes. Could it be exhausting? Yes. Will it be easy? No. Will it be rewarding? Yes (2 Tim. 4:8).
~Derrick Coble