The Excitement of a Child by Dr. Johnny O. Trail, LMFT
The congregation I preach for is blessed to have several young children in attendance for Bible studies and worship. It is always a pleasure to see them come to the congregation in their cute dresses and little suits, while carrying their little things into the doors of the church building. Many times, our smallest attendees and even some in the elementary school age group come running into the building. As I watch their little faces glow with anticipation, I often find myself wishing that many more of our members would develop this same expectation of the joy that can await them in assembling with the saints in corporate Bible study and worship.
Some of our older members will remark, “I wish I had half their energy,” and I wish for that same energy at times too—even though I do not believe I am that old at this point in my life. Still, I wish that we sometimes had the same type of vigor and excitement for church that we once did as children. We might not be able to run into the building like a young person, but our disposition can reflect how we feel about being in church.
It is feared that some approach the worship assembly with a degree of dread. “Oh, no! Another Sunday and I must go to church!” This is the wrong attitude for one to have and it can influence those who are around us to feel the same way about the assembly. This attitude is addressed in John 4.24 regarding the “spirit” or our worship assembly. At the very least, scripture points to the anticipation of worship (cf. I Corinthians 16.1-4) and a joy that come from being with other children of God. The psalmist says in Psalm 122:1b, “…I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."
If the anticipation of worship is a valid consideration, so is the lack of desire. One’s mindset about church and being among brethren is formed long before Sunday and Wednesday services. This can happen in our formative years to undergird our need for church and fellowship with the saints, or it can detract from any desires to be assembled with fellow Christians. Our attitude before our spouse and children (Deuteronomy 6.7) can either harm or encourage church attendance.
It is sad to think that some Christians cannot dedicate four hours a week to the Lord and being with the saints let alone any additional hours for meetings, VBS, youth programs, or other works of the church. While engaged in the preaching of God’s word, some have heard Christians say, “Only one service is bound in scripture.” This is not an accurate picture of what God desires (Hebrews 10.25). Furthermore, it displays a mediocre view of church attendance and involvement. The attitude might be “just enough to check off the box.”
What if we treated marriages, familial relationships, and dating relationships in the same way? What if we reasoned, “Just an hour or two per week is good enough for the person that I claim to love.” These relationships would quickly wither due to neglect and apathy. An older preacher once remarked, “Why should I have to beg my fellow Christians to come into an assembly to worship and study about a compassionate God that they claim to love and adore above all other things?” The answer to this rhetorical question is apparent—we should not.
While our Christianity is more than just “church attendance,” it is a part that cannot be emphasized enough. In virtually every other setting, people understand the need to be in the presence of the things that bring them joy, happiness, and encouragement. This is why some emphasize sporting events, hunting, fishing, and other worldly pursuits over church. The people around you see this example too.
This being the case, the attitude we display in our homes, at the assembly, and on the way to church in our vehicle can influence our family members. If you display dread or reluctance in coming to church, your children will pick up on this. If you speak disparagingly about the preacher, elders, or other members of the church your children will hear. Sadly, they might start to wonder about the appeal of an assembly that has people within it that create harsh words, behaviors, feelings, and opinions from their parents. Even if we are conflicted with these and other saints, we are commanded to work through our problems and forgive (Matthew 18.15-35).
Still, there are those who rebel against the idea of Christianity and church. I just finished reading an article in a psychotherapy magazine where the writer was critically of organized religion that emphasized “rule keeping” and obedience. One cannot be disobedient to God and expect to have eternal life (Hebrews 5.8ff). These “rules” are in place to protect one from serious problems—both spiritual and material in nature.
The child of God should have a disposition that makes him attractive to others. The Christian is to be “attractive” in the sense that they see Christ living in us (I Timothy 4.12). Why would any person want to become part of a church where the members seem to be droll and sad all the time? Why would they want to be in a place where they hear members complaining about various aspects of church attendance and its members? Most people come to church to escape some of the problems they see in the world and not compound their anxiety with interpersonal conflicts.
Conversely, there are valid reasons why some must miss church and other efforts of the body of Christ. These thoughts are not offered to “guilt” those who are unable to be in the assembly. People struggling with debilitating chronic illnesses are simply unable to be at church. Oftentimes they express some embarrassment and even shame at their inability to be in the congregation. In this writer’s estimation, this is not necessary, because the Lord knows our situation and the struggles we face (Mark 2.23ff).
Furthermore, some people who struggle with driving in the evening hours simply cannot see to safely drive to church. Those who have shared this problem in various contexts still find a way to be with the saints via online services that are offered by various sound congregations. In this desire, they have expressed an insatiable longing for God’s word and assembly with the saints.
If we learned any positive thing from COVID, it was the desperate desire that many had to once again be in the assembly. In private conversations with Christians, they expressed sadness, loss of relationship, and depression at being unable to worship in a corporate setting. Typically, the faithful who are homebound want to be at church rather than struggling with an illness.
We need to regain our joy—the joy of a child—in being at the services of the New Testament church. Psalm 9.1-2 says, “…I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”
