There are some disciplines I am good at and some that I am not. Staying out of the cookie jar…not good. Praying daily…good. Exercise…not good. Using the blinker…good. Obeying the speed limit…not good. Attending worship regularly…good. Ok this is cheating because I work at a church. But, even before my church was my employer you could say I was a regular. Long ago attending church became a discipline for me. I think this discipline has been instrumental in my growth as a believer. Before I explain, I wish to make something clear. Regularly attending church does not save me, nor does it make me grow in my relationship with Christ. However, attending corporate worship regularly gives me the opportunity to grow in my faith as a Christ follower and to be obedient to God’s plan for my life. A second thing I wish to make clear is that corporate worship can look radically different for each person. I meet in a building with a platform filled with musicians and a video teacher. But, corporate worship could be in a building with a steeple, on a couch in a living room, outside in a pasture, in a school auditorium, a storefront property or a variety of other gathering places. Scripture doesn’t tell us our church should look a certain way, but it does tell us we should meet together.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The Day is drawing near. Jesus will return. I will stand before Him soon. This is a fact and nothing I do will change that everyday I am one day closer to being in the presence of my Holy God, one day closer to being held accountable for my life. As I pursue transforming my life to be holy, I could sure use some help. Being a regular part of corporate worship can help me in my walk with Jesus. I need a lot of help. I need the weekly guidance from a spiritual leader who communicates the word of God. I need the corporate experience of worshipping the One True God. I need the encouragement of other Christ followers who have learned truths from Scripture that I am in the process of receiving. I need the love of the body of Christ when I am hurting or suffering through a trial. I need the opportunity to serve and share the love of Christ with my church family. All of these things, as a habit, pull me towards being ready for the day that I am before God.
“Real, meaningful worship with God’s people is not optional. It’s not a suggestion. It’s not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. Worship on the Lord’s Day should be the crowning joy of our week. It’s our opportunity to engage our minds toward God. To enjoy His people. To bask in His presence. To corporately drink from His Word. To give of our talents and resources. To encourage and to be encouraged. To offer praise.”
– John MacArthur
See ya Sunday!
Amy