Participating in public and corporate worship is essential for assurance of salvation and the perseverance of the saints. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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.” 

Apparently, persecution tempted these at-risk Jewish Christians to turn away from the faith and return to Judaism. Their wavering faith was evidenced by their non-attendance or sporadic attendance at the church’s gatherings for worship. The author of Hebrews wrote to exhort and encourage the saints to keep believing in Jesus, who is better than anything to which they would turn back. One practical way they were to persevere in the faith was by not neglecting to meet together, as was the habit of some (Hebrews 10:25). 

Think about that. The saints were not skipping church out of convenience. Their absence had nothing to do with their favorite sports teams. They did not choose brunch over worship. These imperiled believers were avoiding worship services because they might get arrested, persecuted, or martyred for going to church. Yet, the writer of Hebrews does tell them, “God understands if you watch the live stream of the service, rather than showing up.” He told them not to miss the meetings. He further instructed them not to follow the example of anyone who misses the church’s gatherings for worship. 

Although our circumstances may be different than those of the ancient readers of Hebrews, the admonition neglecting the church’s meetings of worship applies to us today. Inherent to what it means to follow Jesus is to regularly meet with other Jesus followers to worship him. “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers,” writes John. “Whoever does not love abides in death” (1 John 3:14). In devotion to Christ, we should be present for worship on the Lord’s Day, unless providentially hindered. 

Did you know that you can be present but absent? One way this happens is by showing up late for the services and leaving early before the services have concluded. 

Indeed, time is our most valuable commodity – more important than money. As busy people, time management is rightly a top priority for many. Any way we can “shave off” a few minutes here or there, the better. This ASAP mindset can easily affect our attitudes toward worship. We are rushing on Sunday mornings to get to church. For whatever reason, it takes us longer than we thought to get ready. We have to find a parking spot. Add it all up, and we finally get into our pew after the worship has arrived. And we find ourselves trying to catch up – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – to the service. 

Or, as soon as the pastor closes his Bible, we dash out the door to get to our car before the other saints. It may be during the post-sermon prayer or invitation that we find a chance to make our escape. Others around us may be wrestling with taking a life-changing step of faith. Yet, we tiptoe through the “delivery room” while a birth may be occurring, instead of praying in the “waiting room.”

In the spirit of the author of Hebrews, let me challenge you to prioritize the church’s public worship services. Don’t just show up, however, as if you are doing the Lord a favor by attending. Demonstrate that the public and corporate worship of King Jesus matters to you by not arriving late or leaving early. Get to the service in time enough to be in our seat for the biblical call to worship. Remain for the benediction at the close of the sermon. If you’re like me, you need every blessing you can get your hands on! Don’t miss the final blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). 

Let me issue a more radical piece of pastoral advice. Rather than arriving late, arrive early. Get to service in enough time that you can park, go to the restroom, find your seat, silence your devices, and prayerfully clear your mind so that you are spiritually prepared to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). And stay late, rather than leaving early, to introduce yourself to someone, check on a fellow member, or pray with someone before you leave. 

Don’t just be present for worship, be present while you are present.