The ideal congregation faithfully attends and supports the various public services of the church, whether the occasion be Bible study, worship, or other worthy efforts such as gospel meetings or related events. The inspired penman wrote, “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: Not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).
Motivation to obey this biblical mandate is abundant: By so doing, one (1) obeys the command to study (2 Tim. 2:15), (2) better possesses the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5), (3) is better able to always give an answer for the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:15), (4) has opportunity to express thanks to and faith in our Father (Phil. 4:6; Heb. 11:6), (5) is more diligent (2 Pet. 1:5), (6) is better able to grow spiritually (2 Pet. 3:18), (7) may deepen fellowship with brethren (1 Cor. 12:14), (8) is edified (Eph. 4:12), (9) may exorcise the love of the world (1 John 2:15-17), and (10) will be present in the habitat of the Lord (Matt. 18:20). Though mandated biblically, let us assemble regularly because of our responsive love unto the Lord (1 John 4:19) which anxiously compels us unto good works (Eph. 2:10).
The ideal congregation responds positively when encouraged to better learn the truths of the will of God. Our spiritual screen must ever allow the fresh, gentle breeze of God’s word to penetrate deeply into the whole of our spiritual house. The attitude of the Ethiopian eunuch in relying on others as they were qualified to guide him is worthy of our imitation (Acts 8:30-31). Our spiritual screen must also be strong enough to prevent pests of error from entering our personal and congregational fellowship (Eph. 5:11).
To better develop an openness to learning truth both in breadth and depth, we must view ourselves as students truly in need of a greater measure of knowledge of God’s word. We must be committed to growing beyond spiritual infancy (Eph. 4:15). Such commitment, if not accompanied by decisive action designed to achieve and maintain spiritual growth, will be impotent in its impact in our lives. We must both plan and implement if genuine success is to be realized. Additionally, timely self-evaluation will enhance and support our personal efforts in expanding our knowledge of the will of God. Our full individual and corporate potential can indeed be attained as we open our minds to the wonder of his Word.
As Christians, our desire should be to better ourselves each day because that is what our God deserves from us. Hopefully, these are a couple more ways we can work together towards that goal.
