The Importance of a Thing
The importance of a thing to us can often be measured by what we allow to interrupt it, or divert us from it.
It is recognized there is an aspect of personal choice and discernment here which prevents us from making sweeping judgments in individual cases. Circumstances sometimes affect a change in plans. However, as a pastor I have sometimes been saddened–and frustrated–by the alibis some gave me for not doing right. Like the ones in Jesus’ parable, “they all with one accord began to make excuses” (Lk. 14:18).
A case in point: The person who says, “I missed church last Sunday because we had company drop in.” (My response sometimes is, “Why didn’t you bring them along?”) When I was growing up, if this happened, my father would simply say to the visitors, “We’re going to church now. You’re welcome to come with us. Or else make yourselves at home, and we’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
Another frequent excuse is, “We had to take my son to his baseball game” (or whatever the seasonal sport may be). But why, in the first place, would you involve your son in a league or tournament that would keep him from the house of God? Do you want your children to grow up thinking church is something we “do” if there’s nothing else to do?
- What keeps you from the daily reading of God’s Word? (Job 23:12; Ps. 119: 103, 127)
- What keeps you from consistent fellowship with the Lord in prayer? (Ps. 42:1; 63:1)
- What keeps you from regular attendance at the house of God? (Ps. 122:1; Heb. 10:24-25)
- What keeps you from witnessing and faithfully serving the Lord? (I Cor. 9:16; II Cor. 5:14-15)