Let us not neglect each other by our absence

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 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 10:23-25 ESV

            Most polling groups surveying church attendance over the past decade have come up with similar results, an overall decline in church attendance. The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 certainly has contributed to the decline, but attendance has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. It is perceived by some the pandemic only enhanced what was already a steady disinterest in attending worship services. On-line streaming of church services have also helped to fuel the legitimate stay at home reason and watch it when convenient. I do thank the Lord for advances in technology to be able to bring church to shut-ins, those hospitalized, those serving overseas, and for those who find it impossible to attend for unforeseen reasons. But scripture is clear in instructing us not to neglect meeting with each other (and Zoom is no substitute) to encourage each other in the Lord.

            The book of Acts records for us the spread of Christianity and the establishment of local churches in every city where the gospel was preached as converts came to know Christ. The training of pastors and elders were taking place to teach and shepherd the newly form flock. They warned against false teachers that distort the gospel, and Christians were instructed to love and care for one another. The early days of the church saw much persecution against them and encouraged each other as a family. All who have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior is part of the universal family of God. The local church serves as an assembly of brothers and sisters in Christ, a family intended to worship the Lord together and encourage each other in our faith.

            The author of the book of Hebrews writes, “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.” (Heb. 10:24-25 ESV) The author in this text is instructing us to encourage each other by stirring up one another to love and good works for two very important reasons. 1. It was the habit of some to neglect meeting together for worship, and 2. The Day (return of Christ) is drawing near.

            Today, it is safe to say, we have a lot more than some who are neglecting their brothers and sisters in Christ by their absence on Sunday morning-and we are two thousand years closer to the return of Christ than the early church. So our need is as urgent as theirs, even more so. If you make only one New Year’s Resolution this year may it be to join with our family in Christ in worship every week. Let us not neglect each other by our absence.