First, a hearty “Good morning!” Accepting the same reply from all those present, then, at least what should occur, the opening words are expected, “Let us pray.”
Next, a short opening joke meant to put the crowd at ease while they settle into their seats, an analogy, most usually one of known instances to most in attendance while “open your Bibles to …” is spoken. Sometimes a line or two from a song or two, as the plate is passed down the pews, announcements hopefully relative toward prayer requests and functions of the assembly upcoming. The message begins, usually no longer than twenty minutes or so, or the attention span of those present may begin to wane.
One last prayer and then, most usually, an empty building again within ten minutes. Obligation performed, spirits uplifted, the world calls. “See you next week!”
“Not forsaking the assembling 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. 10:25)
Been there, did that, now I get to go to heaven.
“Religious topics are for church, for Sunday morning, and for an allotted time, perhaps the midweek Bible study, if I’m not busy, but during the rest of the week I have places to go, things to do, people to see. Oh, of course I call on Him occasionally, when there is a pressing need, I try to remember to read something from the Bible once in a while, but you know how busy life is, and when I have a few moments to rest I want to see what’s going on in the world. And no, I don’t talk to a lot of people about my Savior during the week, and I don’t really believe it’s my responsibility to do so.
I do the best I can to keep myself unspotted from the world, I’m a good steward of what I have been given, I always try to be polite to everyone; to never intentionally offend anyone and I never judge anyone. Ever. That’s not my place to do so, it’s their life, not mine. And you might like to know that I give at least ten percent of my income to the work of the Lord, and around the holidays even more. And yes, I have invited people to our church occasionally, I tell them that we have a wonderful pastor and that all the people there are very friendly and caring. Everyone that knows me knows I’m a Christian because I go to church.”
I really hope that everything written up to this point was not for you, because if it was, then this verse is for you.
“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)
And unprofitable servants my friends will not enter into His rest.
By default, that verse states that profitable servants do more than what they have been commanded to do, always searching for the will of God and then wisely stepping out in faith to fulfill His will. Those who are only concerned with their own walk are those who the one coin was given to, there is little thought, and even little effort given by those on the wide path to destruction. As long as they are present when the assembly gathers, their mind is at ease, but their soul is in danger of eternal damnation.
You cannot die to self if you are only concerned with yourself.
A self-taught hypocrite deceived and being deceived. But then again, the world calls, does it not? And you have such a busy life, do you not? God understands, don’t worry about it. Everything will be alright.
