Blog: Max Dawson
June 23, 2016
The statement above is one that should be more than a slogan. It should be a reality in the life of a local church. It is something we aspire to at Dowlen Road church.
Before it can become a reality, we have to understand why all Christians don’t just naturally gather at all the worship assemblies. I want to suggest to you some reasons why some Christians are hit and miss in their worship of God. (I am quick to use a word of caution here: I am not talking about those who have infirmities, are in the hospital or nursing home, who cannot drive in the evening, or who have to work during the time of worship. I am talking about those who choose not to gather for worship.)
Here are some reasons:
1. BACKGROUND. Some were converted from a denominational background where hit and miss worship was the standard. Nobody really cared if they were lax in gathering for worship. Christians with that background may carry that baggage into the Lord’s church. They have not grown sufficiently to get past that old habit.
2. CHOICE. That is, some believe that the congregation has three services on the Lord’s Day in order that members will have a choice as to which service to attend. I have seen a few who attend only the Bible class and then leave, believing “I have been to church. I heard one lady ask a friend, “Which service are you going to attend this Sunday–morning or evening.” That thinking looks at things as though the church has said “pick one or the other.”
3. UNSPIRITUAL. It may hurt the feelings of some Christians who are habitually hit and miss at worship to hear that word “unspiritual.” But it is the case. When other things seem to consistently rank above worship and service to God, what would you call it? Jesus, in the parable of the sower, talked about Christians who are consumed with “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things” (). He said those Christians become unfruitful. Why? Because God is not very high on their priority list.
4. STUBBORNNESS. Years ago, one lady told me, “I don’t like for anyone to tell me what I should do. So when you say things like that, it makes me not want to do it–even though I know I should.” A brother said to me, “You have no right to tell people that ‘All the family should be at all the services.'” Where is the spirit of cooperation? Where is the love for the Lord Jesus? Where is the desire to draw close to God?
Are there more reasons why some folks are hit and miss at worshiping God. Of course there are. My point is to show that folks need to correct some things so that they will be consistent worshipers of God. God deserves better; He deserves our best.
THE FINAL WORD
Here are some passages to think about with respect to worship. No comments. Just Bible text. They speak truth regarding worship. Read them and reap.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” ().
“…the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” ().
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” ().
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…” ().
Blessings to you my dear friends,
–Max