Recently, I spoke with a good friend from West Virginia about some spiritual matters. From time to time, he preaches for the local church where he attends. He told me that he was preaching one Sunday when he encountered the passage that says, "Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them." {Revelation 7:15} He commented that some of the audience members who attend worship only on Sunday morning might have difficulty with this concept. Sunday evening, they had the largest evening attendance ever!
More than once, I've said that I'd like for someone to explain how some of us are going to be able to convince God we want to be with Him and His children forever in heaven, when here on earth we have no desire to honor Him, or be with his children, more than one hour on Sunday morning? Yes, we have such members here and in most other places I've preached. We often call them "Sunday morning Christians." What's the problem?
Priority. Poor attendance is a symptom of deeper problems. Often, people neglect to set proper priorities in their lives. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." {Matthew 6:33} We all determine what is most important to us. What priority does God have in your life? If He's not first, then He doesn't matter.
Love. Our Lord identified the greatest command. " Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment." {Matthew 22:37,38} What kind of love was Jesus discussing? The Greek word is "agape," which means "sacrificial love." How much do you love God? Do we truly have sacrificial love for God when we willfully choose not to assemble with His people, be in His presence, and study His word?
Lack of love for our brethren. God's word clearly teaches that we must love one another. Another reason for worshipping God is to edify one another. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." {John 13:34,35} When you choose not to attend, what are you saying to your brother?
Sadly, many brethren have convinced themselves that the "attendance thing" is little more than the preacher's hobby horse. Honestly, brethren it's one way to measure the depth of your relationship with God. When Christians are "putting first things first," attendance is not an issue!