By Wayne Moore
Pastor, High Point Baptist Church

No one likes to be told what to do. There is something in our human nature (I think the Bible calls it sin) that wants to do the opposite of what we are told. Does this remind you of anything in the news lately?

I agree that sometimes we should do the opposite of what we are told, like when we are commanded to do something that is wrong. But when it comes to God and His Word, it is always in our best interest to do as He says.

The writer of Hebrews, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, is very diplomatic in telling us what we should do. He doesn’t point his finger and say, “You, do this!” He says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.” (Hebrews 10:22-25, KJV).

Instead of rebelling against his exhortation, let’s consider why we should draw near, hold fast, stir up one another, and forsake not the assembling of ourselves together. Besides the obvious that God expects it and it is good for us, here are three excellent reasons.

First, Christ established the church, and it cannot fail (Matthew 16:18). God always accomplishes His plans. We fight a losing battle when we fight against God. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that “a man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.” Our plans cannot succeed without God. His plans cannot fail.

Does our week include plans to worship the Lord? Do we leave worship out of our plans, or include it just as a substitute if our other plans don’t work out? Is this the way our Lord treats us? Is this the way our Savior deserves to be treated?

Second, Christ loves the church, and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). We should love what He loves. We are the church, and He loves us. Loving the church is loving ourselves. He gave Himself for us. Surely we can go to worship and serve together. I realize that the church has its faults. There are many reasons people give for not attending. But Christ has promised to “present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27). Christ did not let our sin stop Him from loving us and dying on the cross. We should not let anything stop us from gathering to worship Him.

Third, Christ deserves our corporate worship (Revelation 4:10-11; 5:13). The parking lots and pews where the church gathers to worship should be full at every appointed time. Angels do not know what it is like to be redeemed from sin, but they do not allow any empty spots around the throne. They fill every available space to give honor to Him who is worthy.

Nothing but the most extreme of circumstances should keep us from worshiping together. Christ deserves to be at the top of our priority list. If we would reduce our reasons for attending church down to one – to worship our Lord, there would be standing room only, and nobody would mind because everyone’s attention would be on our Savior.

So let’s do what the author of Hebrews says, not because He said so, but because Christ established the church, He loves the church, and He is worthy.