Statistics show that many people consider themselves Christians but have no desire to attend worship services on a regular basis. It is troubling to me that those who claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior cannot spend an hour in worship of Him on a weekly basis.
Many churches have tried to keep up with the times by offering people contemporary services with less and less traditional worship and in that, some people have attended services who wouldn't ordinarily come. But it seems to me that people are missing the purpose of the "church."
Church services were designed, not to please people, but to please our Creator. We are made in God's image and He has placed in each one of us a void which can only be filled with Him. That void can only be filled with worship of Him.
It's a cop-out for people to say that they avoid church because it is filled with hypocrites. In my estimation, those who attend church regularly are there because they want to glorify God and they are being obedient servants.
When the early Christians were waiting anxiously for Christ's return, they met on a regular basis to fellowship, worship God and share the good news with one another. In the book of Hebrews, the writer addresses some concerns because some folks in the church seemed to think it unnecessary to meet. He reminded them of the sacrifice and Lordship of Jesus Christ and the importance of worship.
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:19-25
It only hurts the "church" and those who are in need of encouragement when Christians fail to attend worship services.
If I sound like I'm on my soap box, I guess it's because I am. For too many years, especially in the USA, too many people have wanted their names on church rolls, they want to get married in the church and they want a Christian burial, but other than showing up on Christmas and Easter, they never darken the doors of the sanctuary.
Christians who fail to go to "church" have failed God. They have also failed their children, their fellow Christians and those who look at them as examples of Christianity.
When I go to church on Sunday morning, I do it as an obligation to God. I'm not there to hear and critique the music or the preaching, I'm there to worship God – period. Over the years I've found that I can worship God in small congregations, in large congregations; whether singing contemporary music or traditional hymns; worship is an attitude of the heart and corporate worship is good for God to see and will uplift your heart because it affirms your beliefs and gives you an opportunity to share your heart with like-minded people.
If I've stepped on someone's toes with this message, then I guess you needed to have your toes stepped on! If I've enlightened you and placed a desire in you to attend worship services, then I'm overjoyed! God doesn't really ask much from those who believe in Christ Jesus, but He is worthy of worship; He is worthy of praise; He alone is worthy of an hour of your time each week.
May the Lord bless all who attend church on a regular basis – may you continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
