Attendance
The Spirit of Christianity
Once an individual was asked if he thought it was correct for a Christian to dance. He replied, "I did not know that a Christian wanted to dance." With respect to church attendance we suggest that the Christian spirit be increasingly stressed - when asked if it is necessary for a Christian to attend all the church services, let him aptly reply, "I didn't know that Christians wanted to miss any services of the church."
Preachers and elders find it necessary to frequently urge and admonish Christians to attend church services other than just the Sunday morning worship period. Unfortunately, their pleas for greater faithfulness often fall upon dull ears. Far too many Christians still believe that attendance at one service each week is quite enough. But how inconceivable this contention is to the person who seriously ponders the matter, not overlooking the impelling spirit of Christianity!
As a matter of fact, if one is seeking a direct command, it can be found (Luke 9:23; Hebrews 10:25). But irrespective of such a command the Christian spirit would prompt one to be present at all church services unless providentially hindered. Should not a Christian eagerly seek fellowship with other Christians? Would not a truly converted person be grateful for all opportunities of congregating with other children of God for Bible study, prayer, and spiritual singing? Of course, for he has been delivered from the power of darkness and has been translated into the kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13). This means that his affection is set on spiritual things which he diligently pursues. (Colossians 3: 1, 2).
In a word, when one is converted to Christ, he naturally acquires the spirit of Christ, and this spirit abounds more and more as he grows in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Such a person, then, would not look upon full church attendance as an undesirable chore, but would want to attend even if there were no specific command.
If one finds his zeal for church attendance burning low, he should devote more time to Bible study and prayer so that his spirituality can be increased and he, like David, can say, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." (Psalms 122:1).
Unknown Author