I rarely give this space to others. But prayerfully read this from my nephew, Jeff.
He is almost ninety years of age. He called to see if he could visit with me for just a few minutes after Wednesday night Bible study. My dear brother said, “You’ve probably noticed that I’ve missed a few services lately.”
He explained how his wife has not been feeling well, and a few times recently she had asked him to stay home with her because she didn’t want to be by herself while sick. He said that he wished he could be here every time we meet.
With tears in his eyes the brother said to me, “I have prayed about this, and I am doing what I think is right, but I just wanted you to know.” We prayed together, and I expressed my appreciation to him for letting me know. I also told him if it mattered that I agreed he was doing the right thing. . . .
Compare the attitude, the desire, and the heart of this dear brother: To Christians who say, “I have to work hard and I need to rest instead of coming to church on Wednesday night or Sunday night.” To Christians who say, “I don’t really like the class choices or the teachers so I am going to stay home.” To Christians who say, “I’m not happy with the direction of the church, I don’t like the songs y’all sing, or I don’t agree with the way the worship services, classes, etc. are conducted.” To Christians who say, “I’m angry because not very many people speak to me.” To Christians who say, “I don’t think the church does enough in the community.”
This article is not meant to make people who have legitimate reasons for missing church feel guilty. Some who read this article will be offended and some will disagree. It is not my intention to offend. However, some of the above mentioned “reasons” for missing worship and times of study are just plain selfish.
What about being present because you want to encourage your brothers and sisters in the Lord? What about being present because you want to grow spiritually through the study of the Word of God? What about being present because you want to grow closer to other Christians? What about being present because you want to teach young people what it means to have a closer walk with the Lord? What about being present because you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength? What about being present because you want to put the Lord first in every aspect of your life? What about being present because you don’t want to forsake the assembly of the saints? What about being present because you . . . (There was more, but I edited it because of space.—DJ)