Is Our Christianity One Of Convenience?

From a practical standpoint, most of us like to hear of things that are "convenient" and easy to use (those so-called "time saving" devices). For example, we have microwave ovens, electric garage door openers, remote control devices, and computers that are supposedly "user friendly." Unfortunately, in the religious world, some have the same "convenient" mindset. For example we have folks among us who propagate the idea that Sunday and Wednesday night services are not required. And while it is good to be there with the assembled saints, it is not a sin to miss those assemblies.

But, have we ever thought of what Hebrews 13:17 teaches? "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."

By the authority of the inspired Word of God, the elders are given the responsibility to lead us to heaven. They are responsible to provide us with opportunities to learn God's word, and in so doing, do what is right before God, so that we might not miss heaven. Thus, to miss appointed assemblies set by the elders, is to sin against the Lord, since He through the Holy Spirit, is the One authorizing the rule of elders over us as members.

The old statement about only needing the church at our baptism, our marriage, and our funeral, is far too often believed. Those folks who ascribe to such a view, will definitely be in for a surprise on the day of Judgment (Matthew 7:21).

Paul told Timothy to "Preach the word"; not only when it is convenient, but when it is not convenient, i.e., "in season, out of season" (2 Timothy 4:1). For those of us who do not want to assemble with the saints on Sunday and Wednesday evening, do we not have the mindset of those listed in 2 Timothy 4:3-4? As God's children, we are obligated to live for Christ (Gal. 2:20), not only when other "do," but when others "fail" to do so. Wasted opportunities to serve the Lord is going to be the downfall of many in the Lord's church. We are going to have to learn to make the most of every opportunity, i.e., "redeem the time" (Ephesians 5:16), for we don't know if tomorrow will come for certain (James 4:13-14).

Dear reader, there's also one other important point we need to consider. We need to set the right example before others (our children, for example — could this possibly be one reason why over sixty percent are renouncing Christianity?), by making Christianity a way of life — not one of convenience.  Convenience was never promoted by Jesus or the New Testament writers (Matthew 16:24), however, obedience was and still is (John 15:12-15; cf. Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:22).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets