Growing up there was one question I always wanted to know: “why do I have to go to school?” After all, what’s the big deal about school anyways? I was often given several answers when it came to this question. After finishing years of school which includes the graduate level, I now realize the importance such a question. Going to school helped me to learn so I could be successful in my life. It provided me a great opportunity to meet people who I still share a strong bond with even today.

Just like school there are many people today who want to know what the big deal is about attending worship services. It is evident people today do not think attending is a big deal. Just take a look at the average Sunday morning attendance. Notice the huge difference between the Sunday morning and Sunday evening assembly.

Throughout the scriptures we find reasons for gathering together to worship. One of the most used verses when it comes to this subject reads, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). Most of us know God wants His people to gather together. The question we really want to know is, “why?”

The writer of Hebrews says, “Exhorting one another.” We gather to exhort and encourage each other. After a long week with lots of difficulties and problems, there’s no better place to find encouragement than with the Lord’s people. Every time we come together to worship we have an opportunity to encourage our brethren. We have a chance to grow and share with one another while building a bond we can cherish for a lifetime.

Attending worship services not only provides us a chance to be encouraged and uplifted, but it also provides us a chance to learn how to be successful throughout our lifetime. Every time we come to worship we are given another opportunity to study and grow. Paul taught about the importance of studying (2 Tim. 2:15). The only way to learn God’s will and what we must do to be saved is by studying the truths of God’s word. Attending worship provides us an opportunity to study together so we may grow and be successful as God defines success.

Early on I did not understand the importance of going to school. In time though, I learned going to school had many wonderful benefits. The same can be said of attending worship and even more so. When we attend worship services regularly we have an opportunity to be encouraged while learning how to be successful by God’s standards. Friends, that’s a big deal!

I hope to see you the next time the doors are opened for worship.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Question: What are some of the biggest reasons people are not attending worship services today? What can we do to change this? Leave your comments.