Articles
The Best Present: Your Presence!
We are familiar with the beginning of verse 25 in Hebrews 10 that is commonly referred to when discussing the need for attending worship services which states, “...not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,” but have you ever given serious consideration to the second part of the verse that says, “but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near”?
Or 1 Thessalonians 5:11 that says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…”? How can you do those things if you are not in attendance? Have you ever given serious consideration to the effect that you may be having on someone else, particularly your brothers and sisters in Christ, by not being present?
You may have the thought that, "I am only one person" or "no one will notice if me and my family aren’t there." It’s fairly obvious to others in attendance when someone is missing. All you have to do is look around at the empty seats and see who’s not there. Please know that it is noticed and you are missed.
Have you ever given thought to the time and effort put in by those who are teaching or leading a Bible class, a men’s or women’s study, a men’s/women’s/youth day, vacation Bible school, etc., to then not have you or your children show up? All of these items are offered for our growing and edification so that we can equip ourselves for the work of service and building up of the body of Christ as it says in Ephesians 4:11-12. Take advantage of all that is being offered and show support to your brothers and sisters who are willingly taking their time and effort to prepare so that we may all grow in the “grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” as it says in 2 Peter 3:18.
Have you ever posted pictures to social media at a time during a worship service or Bible study? If so, have you given thought to the effect that can have on your brothers and sisters? Are your priorities such that you would rather be doing something else than worshiping God and building one another up in His Word? We are a spiritual family and we are to fellowship with one another.
Of course there will be sickness and car trouble from time to time; however, we have to be careful to not let other circumstances creep into that same category and use them as excuses or justification. Be present when the church building doors or homes are opened. Be present to encourage your brothers and sisters. Our actions show our true priorities. As it says in Matthew 6:33, let us all “seek first His kingdom and His righteous.”
