Don't give up on church attendance

Winston Churchill said we should, “never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense.” Giving in often leads to giving up. Our recently retired preacher taught from the Book of Hebrews about why people give up. The lesson didn’t pertain specifically to COVID, but the disease’s effects have led to a lot of giving up, especially due to the restrictions on in-person worship.

The first step in giving up is neglect, giving in to matters contrary to our convictions (Hebrews 2:1-4). During COVID, many became accustomed to online worship services and didn’t return to in-person worship when the restrictions were lifted. Others occupied their time with other activities during services and stopped “attending” altogether. God recognizes legitimate reasons for missing church, including matters of risk to health or long-term incapacity, but he doesn’t overlook “skipping” church (Numbers 9:1-14; Hebrews 10:23-31). This is why it’s good, in my opinion, for churches to have Sunday morning and evening services for those who must work at some time on that day.

Neglecting worship or otherwise associating with other Christians and God for encouragement can lead to unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-14). Unbelief can lead to boredom, both of which prevent Christian growth. Some Christians don’t study the Bible to move on from the basics of salvation to grow as God wills (Hebrews 6:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:7; 2:15; 2 Peter 1:3-11). This leads to contempt for God and his commands, including church attendance, as being burdensome, although none of his commands are (Malachi 1:12; 1 John 5:3). Boredom and contempt for God’s commands causes laziness (Hebrews 6:9-12; Proverbs 24:30-34; 6-11).

We must avoid falling into laziness or sluggishness because that opens the door to temptation, which gives birth to sin and its consequences (James 1:14-15; Galatians 6:7-10). Boredom also leads to self-pity and misunderstanding God, blaming him for the bad things that happen (Hebrews 11:32-38; 10:32-39; 1 Peter 5:6-11).

Remember, problems came to this world because of humankind’s sin, but God always had our best interests at heart when he created the world and when he sent Jesus to the cross to atone for our sins (Genesis 1:31; 2:8-25; 3:1-24). Note that all was good: God provided for all of humankind’s needs, including companionship with each other and fellowship with him, as well as victory over Satan’s power.

But the consequences of sin would remain for all people to face on earth, although God doesn’t want any to face the eternal consequences, 2 Peter 3:8-9).

Have you neglected church attendance since the COVID restrictions were lifted though you’re not “at-risk”? I encourage you to start back at the next opportunity for your own good and that of your fellow Christians. Giving in to skipping church puts one on the slippery slope that leads to giving up altogether, which is disastrous (2 Peter 2:20-22, 9). The only sensible option is to never give in to neglect, unbelief, boredom, laziness, self-pity, or any sin because that will lead to giving up (1 Corinthians 10:13; 15:58).

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected].