“Let’s Get It Over With” Church Attendance
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)
Are you gathering with other Christians? Perhaps you view it as a mere couple of hours on Sunday morning. You might think, “I don’t want to go. There are better things I could do with my time…” Yet you attend, if only to appease your conscience. You skip a few gatherings here and there, reasoning, “It’s no big deal.” But you ought to go to church! What’s the condition of your heart? Is your attitude right? Attending in body but being absent in spirit is not putting God first. God instructs us on how we should gather together.
Gather together in Christlike conduct. This isn’t a solo journey. You need your brothers and sisters in Christ to ‘sharpen’ you, and you them (Proverbs 27:17). Embody Christlikeness in all you do to effectively communicate your faith (Philemon 1:6). Love one another with Christ’s love (John 13:34). Confess your sins to each other and pray for one another’s healing (James 5:16). Show sacrificial love, forgiving one another and serving without complaint (1 Peter 4:8-9). Practice humility and patience to maintain unity (Ephesians 4:1-3). Walk in light and truth before God and everyone (1 John 1:5-7). In everything, act as worship to the Lord, giving thanks to the Father (Colossians 3:17).
Gather together to help one another. Inspire each other to do good and loving works through your gatherings (Hebrews 10:24-25). Use all spiritual gifts to benefit one another (1 Corinthians 14:26). Meet the church’s needs and practice hospitality (Romans 12:13). With a sacrificial spirit, bear one another’s weaknesses, share burdens, and do good to each other (Romans 15:1-2; Hebrews 13:16). Strive to help, comfort, encourage, build up, and promote each other’s well-being (1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Gather together in the unity of the Gospel. Have fellowship with God and the church, centered on Christ’s Gospel (1 John 1:3). Hold fast to God’s doctrines, fellowship, community, and prayer (Acts 2:42). As a group, sing, give thanks, and submit to one another (Ephesians 5:19-21). Be of one mind and purpose (Acts 1:14).
Put God first in a community of believers.
How It Applies To You
“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 10:25)
The power of community worship. Reflecting on gathering with fellow believers reveals its impact on your life. It’s a chance to be part of something greater, enriching your and others’ spiritual journeys. Each church attendance is a conscious act of putting God first, transforming your perspective and faith.
The importance of active participation. When tempted to skip, ask yourself: “Am I willing to miss the blessings of a Christ-centered community?” Your presence matters. Every gathering is an opportunity to connect with others, grow in faith, and experience God’s love tangibly.
Embracing spiritual growth. Embrace this opportunity to grow, serve, and experience God’s love tangibly. You’ll find strength, encouragement, and guidance to deepen your walk with God through active participation in your church community.
A call to commitment. Will you commit to putting God first through active participation? Make a conscious decision to prioritize gathering with fellow believers, and watch how it transforms your life, faith, and relationships.
