The Easiest Command

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I have known pastors to go to great lengths to get people to come to church. They send cards to those absent. Have people call them and so on and so on. They even bribe folks with contests or feed them every Sunday. If "they are just here for the beer" it is doubtful there is much they will hear.

I never did those kind of things. I did not like it when it was done to me. I am an adult. I know where the church is and I know its hours of operation. I know the Word tells me I should meet with the brethren every chance I get especially as I see the day of the Lord approaching. I should meet more, not less as the manner of some is. I have people express the same sentiments over the years. No one likes telemarketers or pushy salesmen.

It is easier to do in small churches. Fewer people to track and if your church is barely holding on I get why you try so hard to keep what you have especially if you have no outreach to win others to Christ. One or two families leaving could close the doors. That would be a good thing in many cases.

Yes, you need to keep aware of straying sheep to keep them out of danger. However, if that means you have to constantly stay on a person to come to church you may be leaving the flock to chase goats leaving less time and strength for the rest of the flock. Yes, we leave the ninety and nine at times, but be sure it is a sheep you are chasing not a satanic distraction. If the devil can burn you out thinking you are doing your ministry he is more than glad to do it. Discernment is needed.

If a person cannot understand the need and the command to attend church then it is unlikely he will get much else as they are very immature or something else is wrong. Consider it an earthly thing and Jesus said that if the folks did not understand the earthly things He taught they would not grasp heavenly things. It is definitely one of the easiest commandments to obey.

True, many churches have a large amount of unsaved people who attend church more faithfully than the saved because those people think it helps them earn Heaven so they have to punch their God time clock. Even many of them are part-time and certainly do not put in much overtime. if any.

Church attendance will not save you, but the sermon you miss, the hug you miss, the smile you miss or the conversation you miss may be what would have helped you not to have so much Hell in your life that following week or at least helped you cope with it and overcome it rather than letting it defeat you.

I have gone to church when I did not feel like it and I was fine when I got there and heard a message I needed. I have gone discouraged and God put someone in my path to encourage me or put someone in my path that was more discouraged than I was and as I encouraged them my discouragement faded. I have gone feeling sick and was fine when I got there. I have even been really sick until I got into the pulpit. Then I felt awesome until I stepped down and then the fever or pain returned. Those are times when the devil's tailed got whipped because I was obedient and he did not get his way or his laugh.

Pastors, be wise with your time and your strength. Keep the flock together and safe. If you get a chance to convert a goat into a sheep that is what we are here to do. We do not have to bribe the sheep. We are to lead them, not drive them like cattle. If they know the Shepherd, He will help you lead them to pasture and water as well as keep them from the wolves. They will follow His voice and yours as long as you are echoing HIs voice, not your school, denomination or doing it your way.

Sheep, what part of a simple command do you not understand? Does your boss call you weekly to be sure you come to work? Does the teacher pick up your child to ensure they get to school? A pastor should have to nag or bribe you to do the earthly thing so you might get the heavenly that you need.