RIGHT MOTIVES FOR WORSHIP?

Are we here in worship today for the right reason? Why are we here right now? Is it just because we are feeling more spiritual-minded today? Is it because we haven’t been spiritual enough lately? Is it because of our family that we are here? Is it because of what others may think if we are not here? Are we here just to socialize? Are we here because we feel it is our duty to be here? Or, are we here just to partake of the Lord’s Supper? In January’s article, we examined reasons that we should be faithful in our attendance. In this article, we will discuss the importance of being here for the right reasons, and with the proper motives in our mind. Let’s now look at the Biblical reasons for being at the worship services.

1. We should be here to worship God. John 4:23 says, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers.” The different acts of worship are accomplished here in the assembly, including preaching and teaching, which should result in learning. When we worship God in the correct way, we will be spiritually uplifted. I Peter 2:2 says, “as newborn babes, long for the spiritual mild which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation.”

2. We should be here in the assembly to exhort one another. Hebrews 10:24 says; “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.” Assembling together to worship is one of the means the Lord has provided for us to encourage one another and be built up spiritually. Let’s not neglect the opportunity we have to be exhorted, and to exhort others.

3. We should be here in order to be obedient to the Lord. Hebrews 10:25-26 says; “not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another… For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins.” The word “forsake” means to neglect or willfully abandon. The Lord commands us to be here when the church assembles together to worship God.

What about all of the services? If we are here for the right reason – we will be here at all of the services, whenever we are physically able to do so.

Keith Hinds