I grew up - no, make that was raised - in a family that believed in, and practiced, faithful church attendance. It is so deeply-rooted in me that I feel guilty when I miss a service, even if it’s due to sickness. Today is one example. I won’t go into details, but I knew I would not be able to be in attendance today, and that was even before the snow and ice problem. Please don’t condemn me, but, to be honest, I was relieved when our Sunday School and then our Morning Worship was canceled because that meant I would not be absent and among the missing.
Looking back, it’s not hard to realize my childhood days were slower paced, less stressful, and travel was safer because drivers were polite and cared about each other. That doesn’t seem to be the case any longer. Roads are improved, leading to higher speed limits; vehicles are equipped with all sorts of electronic gadgets. Distracted driving is the norm. Anger and Road Rage are epidemic.
You may be asking yourself “Why is she listing these things and where is she going with her comments?”
As I have matured, I no longer feel I have to put my life in danger to attend church services. Before you say “God will take care of you and protect you” let me also add that many fine Christian people are killed every day even though they were not at fault. I do know God will take care of me. I also believe God gave me a brain, common sense, and discernment and expects me to use them.
The Israelites were instructed to go to the Temple in Jerusalem for certain Feasts, but that was not several times a week, or even every week. The writer of Hebrews instructed Christian believers in “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Other than these instructions, I do not find any reference to spending 1, 2, 3, or more times a week in church. Worship? Yes, but that is to be done daily, hourly, and minute by minute. In other words, that is personal, and the gathering together for services is to encourage each other and share our concerns and witness.
Am I wrong? Maybe, but I no longer feel it is necessary to jeopardize myself when the officials warn everyone to “be careful and use good judgment before getting out on the dangerous roadways.” I think God understands my heart.
