The Dog Who Never Missed

A few years ago, I read an uplifting story about a member of the Lord’s church who owned a beautiful Collie dog by the name of Alec. He and his family would habitually bring Alec to the church building where he would remain outside, sitting quietly until church services were concluded. One day, Alec’s master passed on to be with the Lord, but because it was a habit, Alec could never bring himself to stay home when it was time for church services.

All the ensuing years since the passing of his master, Alec has sat quietly just outside the front door of the church building, never barking or misbehaving. He is loving and friendly to young and old alike, greeting all with a wagging tail, huge grin, and gentle rub.

Sad to say, Alec was killed when he was hit by a car on his way to Wednesday evening church services, but he left the members of that church a lasting example of faithfulness in coming to the assembly.

Isn’t it both sad and amazing that a dog would be more faithful in showing up for church services than some members of the Lord’s church?

Faithful attendance at all the services of the church is a habit — a necessary habit for a Christian to cultivate (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:24-25). The more we attend, the more we will want to attend. Eventually, we will reach the point where we just do not feel right unless we attend the services of the church.

Dear reader, let's look forward to assembling with the saints this Lord’s Day (and every Lord’s Day), being an example of faithful attendance as Alec was.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets