24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 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 10:24-25).
There is a disturbing post-covid trend that churches across the nation are experiencing these days. It is that far fewer people are going to church on a consistent basis than before the pandemic gave us permission to sit at home. After all, the reasoning goes, “If I could attend from my living room during the lock-down, why can’t I continue the practice? I don’t have to go to a church building!” If you are among those who are convinced that they don’t have to go to church to be a Christian, you may not want to continue reading. But, if you will, I would like for you to consider two simple questions: (1) What does the Bible say about going to church? (2) What do you think Jesus would say if you were to ask Him about staying home as opposed to being a part of His Body? As a pastor, it seems I’ve heard every reason under the sun as to why a person doesn’t feel the need to go to church. The fact is, many “Christians” don’t go to church simply because they don’t want to go to church. It really comes down to a choice of being obedient or not. It isn’t about whether a person is bored or not. It is not a matter of enjoying the music or style of worship. It really doesn’t matter whether the pews are comfortable, or the temperature is to ones’ liking. The preacher’s style of delivery cannot be a determining factor. The presence of “hypocrites” is not deterrence enough to prevent participation. There is no viable excuse for disobedience. Church attendance is not viewed as “optional” in the life of a true disciple of Christ. You can’t Biblically make that argument. True disciples participate in the life of a community of faith; they not only consistently go to church; they understand that integration into the Body of Christ is essential to their spiritual growth; they accept their responsibility in assisting others in their personal walk of faith; they do not find reasons to separate themselves from the family of God; and they do not sit at home if there is any way they can be a part of what God is doing. The question comes down to, “Are you a true disciple of Jesus?” Because it’s not really about church, it’s about you. What would Jesus do?
