Can't or Won't?

...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. Hebrews 10:25

For most of us, it’s only once a week, and only for an hour at that, but I don’t like missing that time in church. It’s my time to connect with God and those I respect and love in the Lord. It’s good to be among like minded gentle, God fearing people ”...addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Ephesians 5:19

I love singing the old hymns, and (most of) the newer praise band style of worship songs. At the root of it all is the lifting of our voices to heaven and the Author of our salvation. It sounds a bit tame until it gets to the business end of the hour when the leader, pastor, or minister preaches the Word of God from the Bible, which IS “The Word of God”. Then it can get less comfortable because the Scriptures are for everybody and for every situation. There’s conviction If you need salvation, encouragement for the believer to live a better life and example of holiness, and everything in between. Sometimes it’s not so easy to be there to listen, so we choose to skip the discomfort.

I believe there is only one choice for not being in the House of God, and it’s either we can’t or we won’t go. There is no middle ground like: I don’t like the speaker, singer, people, chairs, heating, music and the list could go on. Excuses don’t count when it comes to the preaching of the Word. It’s not for the weak, cowardly, or the wooly, after all the Bible says in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Is THAT the reason you won’t go? Afraid? Just asking!