Habitual Neglect

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

– Hebrews 10:25

If we are of one body in Christ, as the Bible declares, let us evaluate where we stand today. Although we are brothers and sisters in Christ, many of us have been hurt, or have hurt others, in church. The pain has caused some to leave one fellowship in exchange for another. In many instances, this has helped stabilize their walk with Christ. They are the ones who have, in many cases, successfully leaped over the chasm of hurt and healing. Others, however, have neglected to return to corporate worship altogether. They have taken the self-protection approach, never to risk being hurt again.

Claiming that you are a disciple of Christ while at the same time neglecting to fellowship with others when you can do so is contradictory. It is not the Spirit of the Lord leading. It is in direct opposition to God’s Word. The writer of Hebrews did not say, “meet less as the Day draws near.” We are to surround ourselves with like-minded people as often as we can.

Some claim that they have their own time of worship at home. They are deceiving themselves. It is a selfish act to take this stance. You may, for a time, protect yourself from other adverse situations, yet you are hindering your walk with Christ. You may also be hindering someone else’s walk with Lord.You may very well have something to offer another who needs encouragement. You may be the only one that can help in a particular situation.

It is the greatest commandment to love God. However, according to our Savior, the second greatest commandment is like the first. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Mark 12:31). What if the gift another needs is the only one you can bring, and you are at home hiding that light under a bushel? If you have neglected this privilege for any time, you must reconsider your position and get back into the fight!

“Because it is so important that Christians gather together, things that work against their gathering must be regarded as serious dangers.”

– David Guzik