October 8, 2026 - When a Christian is absent from the worship assembly, there is cause for alarm. “Why? Whose business is it? It’s my life isn’t it?” says the absentee. “If I want to miss church, let me be, what does it hurt anyhow?”
Well, glad you asked that question. It hurts you. Fellowship of the saints in the presence of Jesus is a stirring experience. Sharing this experience with those who love the Lord as we sing together, join our hearts in prayer and engage in the Lord’s Supper gives us an uplifting experience. The assembly with brothers and sisters in Christ takes priority over the ordinary affairs of life.
However, you not only hurt yourself, you also hurt those who are closest to you. Your lack of faithfulness might cause a wife or husband or your children to leave the Lord. Your lack of zeal tells others that to you the church is not really that important. They love you, but by your example you lead your own family and friends away from the Lord instead of leading them to the Lord.
It is alarming when a Christian is absent because the surest path to backsliding is absenteeism. No doubt, there is more to being a Christian than occupying 18 inches (more or less) of pew space on the Lord’s Day. However, attendance can never be so minimized that it is not a vital part of our duty to God.
It’s something to think about... tbp
Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
