Absence and Alarm
 
We should be ALARMED about the ease that some absent themselves from the assembly.
 
 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”  Please notice that I did not quote Hebrews 10:25...because I want to place emphasis on verse 24 by focusing on the ALARM of being absent.  There is a correlation, you know.  When a Christian is ABSENT from the worshipping assembly there is cause for ALARM.  Why?  Whose business is it?  It’s my life, isn’t it? Says the Absentee.  If I want to miss, let me be—I’m grown—what does it hurt, anyhow?”
  
 Glad you asked the question—it hurts a lot!!  It hurts you, first.  Fellowship of the saints in the presence of Christ is a stirring experience.  Sharing exhilarating emotions with those who love the Lord as together you sing, pray, teach, commune, and give is an uplifting exercise.  What better could you do?  The Bible states to absent yourself only if there is a matter to be straightened out with you and your brother, doesn’t it?  The assembly certainly take priority over the ordinary matters of life.
 
  Secondly, you hurt those closest to you.  Helpmate or children quit because you do.  (Have you thought about your children...your grandchildren)?  Your lack of zeal and interest telegraphs to them, “Church is unimportant.”  they love you; you are the big one in their  lives.  They are hitching their little red wagon to your star.  You thus take from the Lord instead of to Him, those you love the most. 
 
 Thirdly, the relationship between absence and ALARM is further heightened by the fact that the surest path to backsliding is absenteeism.  There is more to being a Christian than attending services, but the attendance can never be minimized so it’s not a vital part of duty.
 
The ALARM registers also because where else better can one go?  Nothing is equal to the church of the Lord—to leave is to go downhill.  Nothing is clearer than the duty to “Remember Me.”  Jesus demands it.  Absence lets you remember self.  Why would one not be ALARMED when even one member is absent?  He’s selling short his opportunity—he’s disobeying his Lord.
 
Be certain about your attendance.  It’s scary when you are gone.  There is on certain fact—when one is absent willfully, he is going the wrong way!!  TURN AROUND, BROTHER—SISTER, COME HOME TODAY.