"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."
Hebrews 10:25
On Sunday morning, the man said to his wife, "I'm not going to church today for three reasons. The people don't like me. I don't like the people, and I don't want to go." His wife quickly responded, "Yes, you are going to church for three reasons. We always have gone to church. God expects us to go, and beside, you are the pastor."
That joke I heard years ago, but attending church is no joke. Assembling ourselves together with other believers for worship and Bible study is important. We need the strength and encouragement that comes from other believers.
Hebrews was written in a time when Christians were going through terrible persecution. Many believers were martyred for their faith. It was not popular in those days to be a Christian. Your life could easily be at risk. It was even dangerous to be caught assembling together with other believers. Yet, it was so important for receiving exhortation or encouragement. God's people, then and now, need all the encouragement available.
Is church attendance an important part of your life? Find a support group in your church to give you encouragement in your faith. Also, as you attend church, remember, someone needs your encouragement as well. An encouraging word to someone can be a powerful motivation to comfort and strengthen others. Think of church as God's people. We need the church and the church needs us.
Lord, use us to encourage other Christians.
