As a believer, you were designed to do incredible things for God and to change the world, but you have to be connected with other people who want to do the same thing. In Hebrews 10:25, the Bible gives us specific instructions: "Don't you dare quit going to church! Don't you dare stop getting together with people who have a like mind and a like faith.
This is an important point for all of us today. A lot of people say, "I can't really make it to church. My job--my sports, my hobby, my whatever--interferes with my church and youth group." But, you have to surround yourself with people who love God and are going after God in the same direction. The Bible calls it fellowship.
A lot of pastors, especially youth pastors, are really discouraged today. They work their heart out, yet the people don't seem very committed. We plan a retreat or some other activity. We announced it Sunday after Sunday, but when it comes time for the activity, no one comes. The teenagers were more committed to a school activity or sport than they were to their youth group--people with whom they are going to heaven and spending eternity.
As a follower of Christ, we need to turn that reputation around. You need to be the kind of person who says, "I know God has plugged me in here. God has a plan and a reason for my being here. I'll not commit to just Sundays. But every time that there is an opportunity for me to grow, I'm going to be here."
Does that mean you have to be there every time the doors are open to church? No. But at the very least, be committed to the regular services and special events that your pastor and youth pastor have going so that they know who you are.
Don't be an airhead floating around saying, "I have my Bible and my study manual, and I'll do my own thing." If you are committed to the Lord, then there ought to be other people around you who know about your commitment to the Lord and who can help you grow.
Maybe you have done some things that show a lack of commitment to your pastor or youth pastor. I want you to take a moment and think about anything you may have done to show that lack of commitment. Take some time this week to ask your youth pastor and pastor to forgive you for anything you have done to make their jobs more difficult.
Think of some things that you can do that will show your commitment to meet with other Christians. How can you show that you have determined that you will not allow yourself to get out of the habit of meeting for worship? Don't be a flighty, air-headed, haphazard Christian who floats in now and then.
Scripture Of The Day: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV)
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