The Blessings Of Early Attendance In Church Activities

THE BLESSINGS OF EARLY ATTENDANCE IN CHURCH ACTIVITIES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 84:4-7

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 8:17, Matthew 6:33, Luke 21:38, Mark 1:35

INTRODUCTION:

Punctuality in church is more than just a good habit; it is a powerful act of honour and devotion to God. In many congregations today, lateness to church services has become normalised, yet it reflects a heart that may not fully value the presence of God. Scripture teaches that those who seek God early — not only in the morning but in priority — will find Him.

Early attendance in church activities — whether Sunday services, Bible study, prayer meetings, or workers' gatherings — demonstrates spiritual discipline, reverence, and hunger for God. It allows believers to participate fully, receive the entire counsel of God, and model godliness for others.

This study will explore the biblical basis and practical blessings that come from prioritising early attendance in the house of God. May it stir in us a renewed commitment to seek God early and consistently in His sanctuary.

1. EARLY ATTENDANCE REFLECTS A HEART THAT SEEKS GOD FIRST

Those who arrive early for church are usually those who place high value on God’s presence.

a) It shows hunger for God: Proverbs 8:17 – “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”

b) It places God before all else: Matthew 6:33 encourages us to seek first the Kingdom of God.

c) It expresses honour and reverence: Malachi 1:6 questions, “If I be a Father, where is mine honour?”

d) It aligns you with God’s timing: Psalm 5:3 – “In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”

Biblical Example:

Jesus Himself rose early and went to pray or teach (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38). People came early in the morning to hear Him in the temple, showing their eagerness for God's word.

2. EARLY ATTENDANCE PREPARES THE HEART FOR FULL BLESSING

When you are early, you receive the message from the beginning and engage more deeply in worship and fellowship.

a) You start with the anointing: Being there from the start helps you catch the full move of the Spirit.

b) You avoid distractions and rushing: Ecclesiastes 5:1 – “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God...”

c) You participate in the whole service: From praise to benediction, nothing is missed.

d) You are positioned to hear God clearly: Habakkuk 2:1 – “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower... to see what he will say unto me.”

Biblical Example:

The 120 disciples were gathered early in the upper room, waiting in one accord, when the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). They didn’t arrive late — they were early and ready.

3. EARLY ATTENDANCE SETS A GODLY EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS

Punctuality in church influences others and promotes a culture of order and reverence in the body of Christ.

a) It teaches children and youth discipline: Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go...”

b) It encourages unity in the church: Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

c) It honours church leadership and structure: 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

d) It contributes to a positive church atmosphere: When everyone arrives early, the atmosphere is spiritually charged from the start.

Biblical Example:

In Nehemiah 8:1-3, the people gathered early and attentively listened to Ezra read the law from morning till midday — showing eagerness and reverence for God’s Word.

4. EARLY ATTENDANCE POSITIONS YOU FOR UNUSUAL ENCOUNTERS

Some of the greatest divine encounters in Scripture happened early — in quiet, undisturbed moments before the crowd.

a) Divine revelations are often early experiences: Exodus 34:4-5 – Moses rose early and met God on Mount Sinai.

b) Angels and divine messengers meet early risers: Genesis 19:27 – Abraham rose early to the place where he met the Lord.

c) Early moments carry divine instructions: Job 8:5 – “If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes...”

d) It attracts divine favour and reward: Psalm 63:1 – “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee.”

Biblical Example:

Mary Magdalene went early to the tomb and was the first to witness the resurrection of Jesus (John 20:1-18). Her early arrival brought a historic encounter.

CONCLUSION:

Early attendance in church is not just a matter of discipline — it is an expression of love, honour, and passion for God. It brings numerous blessings: spiritual preparedness, divine encounters, growth in maturity, and it strengthens the body of Christ. When we seek God early — in time and in priority — He rewards us openly.

Let us examine our approach to church attendance. Have we been casual or careless? Now is the time to return to the path of diligence, discipline, and devotion. God is waiting to meet those who honour Him with their time and attention.