“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever…” – Psalm 146:5-6
Scripture reading: Psalm 122:1-9
Does it really make any difference if I go to church? As Christians, whose hearts desire is to serve Jesus, church attendance is an expression of obedience. Children observe how their parents prepare for church. Are parents praying for the minister, elders, volunteers, and the musicians in advance? Do parents lead their children in preparatory prayer times, readying themselves for church by asking God to soften their stubborn hearts and break down any resistance to the Word? It is as easy for an adult to be distracted at a Sunday worship service as it is for a child. It is important to teach your children by modeling for them how you are fighting your own flesh to stay attentive.
If you do not have children in your household, you are certainly not off the hook! The youth in the church are also watching you. Are you actively listening to the sermon or drifting off? Are you learning the names of newcomers? Are you friendly? Do you listen to the stories of the young ones who attend church? Do you volunteer and serve with joy?
Youth of all ages are sponges. They are observing, forming opinions, and by the example of others, are actively and passively being taught about church attendance. Attendance and everything you do in church matters. The reasons you have for attending only once a Sunday (even if your church has two services) will be scrutinized. Let your attendance at worship communicate to all who see you, how much you love Jesus, the Savior and Captain of Salvation.
Suggestions for prayer
As you prepare to worship, or perhaps after the services of this Sunday, pray as King David taught: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:10,15)
Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com