“. . . And bring us back at the next appointed time.” Will you say “Amen” to that prayer? I will! It is right to ask our Father as we leave one assembly to help us return for the next one.
I’m disturbed, however, at how many of us decide not to be back “at the next appointed time.” Most obvious is the difference between the morning and evening attendance on Sundays. Roughly half of the morning crowd doesn’t return “at the next appointed time.” WHY?
We have no quarrel with the sick or with those legitimately hindered by employment. Nor do we find fault with those who are away but are assembled with fellow-Christians elsewhere. However, is it reasonable to think that half of our Sunday morning crowd is gone on Sunday evening for these reasons?
Obviously, neglect and a lack of commitment are major factors. If a poll were conducted most absentees would agree that they ought to have been here. They would be among the first to say that their own excuses were inadequate. Still, they don’t come. Evidently, they lack motivation.
We could “solve” this problem by resorting to gimmickry. Bring on the magicians and dancers! Even if people attended to see these acts, would God be pleased with such carnal motives? To ask the question is to answer it.
What motivated the early Christians to worship and serve God as they did” “For the love of Christ constrains us” (2 Corinthians 5:14l). No matter if that refers to their love for Christ or His love for them, the result is the same. After all, His love for us motivates us to love Him in return (1 John 4:19). So, the early Christians worshiped and served actively and faithfully because they knew Jesus loved them and that they loved Him.
If you’re not motivated to be here “at the next appointed time,” do some serious meditating on all Jesus went through for you at Calvary. How can you help but love Him?
–Joe Slater
