We have been discussing one of the faulty conclusions drawn from the fact that Thomas was not present with the other disciples on the first evening when Jesus appeared to them. Many have come to believe that attendance at every church gathering is the truest mark of faithfulness. From where has this come? I don’t know for sure, but from many sermons I’ve heard and articles I’ve read, I have an idea.
In our Hebrews text, we have words of exhortation to these faltering Christians about continuing in the faith in the face of persecution. In fact, the whole letter is about this, and later in the chapter the author notes that some of them have already experienced sufferings and the seizure of their property. They are encouraged to “hold fast” and stir up one another “to love and good deeds” and not to forsake “our own assembling together.” The problem was that they were tending NOT TO ASSEMBLE AT ALL (!) for fear of being found out and arrested, jailed, etc. The “day” is the Lord’s day.
Many a sermon has been preached using Hebrews 10:25 as a whip to promote 100% attendance at every church function. It is most interesting to note the veritable lack of sermons preached from verse 24 which appears to be of at least equal importance - if not more!
Another point to be made is that attendance is easy to see and track. It’s easy to count heads and check off names, isn’t it? So if someone is present in the pew, we tend to think that all is well. How deceptive this can be! How many have “gone fishin’” or planned their afternoon during the message? How many have mouthed the words of the songs with no real praise in their hearts or minds? What of the brother who’s always there but who tells and laughs at vulgar jokes with the guys at work? What about the husband who sits in the pew every time the doors are open, but treats his wife like a household slave? What about the sister who is always present but spends all Sunday afternoon phoning and texting the latest juicy gossip. Well? Did their attendance mean anything?
What is the true measure of Christian faithfulness?
Now, there is a question truly worth considering.
><> Jeff
Comments