It may, or may not, surprise you that I do not believe that a person should attend the assembly of the saints if their heart’s not in it. Now, I can hear some say, “John, what if while they are there, they hear something that they need to hear?” And I concede that that is a good point. But remember, our times of worship are designed to be full of things we all “need to hear.” Those who don’t want to hear, tragically, have come with deafness of heart and an attitude that is destructive.
Solomon suggests that true worshippers must examine themselves on the way to worship. He writes:
“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil” (Ecclesiastes 5:1).
As believers, you and I offer ourselves to God as “living sacrifices” before, during, and after our worship assemblies. However, our assemblies are unique spiritual experiences. Together we partake of the Lord’s Supper, pray, sing, listen to the Word of God, and give of our means. Collectively these are powerful acts that, when properly prepared for, unite us, and strengthen us for the week ahead.
Solomon is warning that our “sacrifice” is useless if we have no desire to listen to God’s Word or obey it!
The devil is alive and well in our pews. He is always early and never needing a caffeine fix. He and his demons are well aware that the Holy Spirit is transforming the hearts of the worshippers and are ready to flee when they unite in humble adoration. But they are waiting for an invitation to stay. In fact, they may have already received that invitation on the way.
So, guard your steps as you go to the house of God!
John Staiger