Should I go to church?

Hebrews 10:26 (KJV) reminds us:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching…

which means simply that we ought to go to church regularly, especially as we know that we are in the last days. But why is church attendance so important really?

I have been a believer in Jesus Christ for over twenty-five years, and during that time my membership has spanned three main churches: San Juan Evangelical, where I got married and my children were christened; the Wesleyan Holiness Church, when I moved into our home in Chaguanas, and presently I attend the Oasis of Love Open Bible Church. 

Of course, I’ve missed church sometimes over the years, but when I did, I made a keen observation. Whenever I do not go to service, let’s say for about three Sundays, I became more and more critical of things at my church: the pastor, some member, how some situation was handled, something about the worship team. It was as if standing afar off made it into a “me and them” phenomenon. And it happened every time. But when I start back going again, I just do not see the “flaws” in my brethren or my pastor. As a matter of fact, I become less critical of everyone and everything going on in the congregation.

I talked to God about this and He led me to read the verse which precedes the instruction to not forsake going to church, which is further emphasized in verse 26. We are encouraged:

Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works. 

It means when I stay away from fellowshipping with my fellow church members, it gives chances for the devil to bring all kinds of thoughts to my mind, and instead of inspiring those around me with encouraging words and actions, the opposite happens. I harbour negative thoughts, which leads to negative actions, which causes a break in the fellowship, and I then see my brothers and sisters in Christ through a lens of criticism instead of through lenses of love.

If I miss church more often than is absolutely necessary, because of illness, work or other real reasons, it breeds disharmony and I become less effective at being a blessing and building up the body of Christ as we are called to do.

Will you have a snack today?