This is a common question people ask today when contemplating the work and worship of the church. It should come as no surprise for people to ask this question as we live in a largely egocentric culture where it is all about me. This was not always the case, but over time our sense of community has fallen by the wayside. Neighbors rarely know one another anymore, and those who do often share a mere superficial connection. This is not universally true, but it is quite common. With these facts before us, it is little wonder people would view their connection to Christ and His church in much the same way. As always, the cultural trends tend to seep into the church, and the work and worship of the church suffers. So, why should I not ask what is in it for me with regard to the assemblies and other activities of the church? Because it misses the point entirely.
First, worship and service are all about God. The word worship means “to kiss the hand towards one in token of reverence” (Thayer), and “to adore, fall or prostrate before” (Zodhiates). Worship is God-centered, not man-centered (cf. Jn. 4:24). It is difficult to bow before another as it is a clear sign of submission and subservience. However, a proper understanding of what God has done for us in Christ should remove such pride. As Paul said, when we were living in trespasses and sins, we were “…children of wrath, But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…” (Eph. 2:3-5). This He did at the cost of sacrificing His Son (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 9:11-15; 1 Pt. 1:17-19). Jesus granted us the privilege of coming near to God (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:19; 10; 19-22). For this cause, opportunities to worship and serve Him are an honor, not a burden.
A second reason is the reality that Christianity is a “one another” religion. So many passages emphasize our deep connection to one another. Consider a few samplings of these passages urging us to care for the needs of others and not just our own wants and wishes. As Christians we are to: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…” (Rom. 12:10), “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4), and “Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (Heb. 12:12-13).
I have heard Christians say of the strength provided in the extra services of the church that they have no need of such things, so they do not see a need to come. However, a closer look at the function of all the meetings of the church shows the fallacy of such a thought. The Hebrews writer urged his readers not to forsake the assemblies of the church (Heb. 10:25). What we often fail to emphasize is that, in addition to the God focused aim of worship, we are to “…consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). Just because I may feel strong enough to not need to be gathered with my brethren, that does not relieve me of my responsibility to stir up the one who needs me. What’s in it for you? The privilege of pleasing God and securing salvation for both yourself and your brothers and sisters in Christ.
First, worship and service are all about God. The word worship means “to kiss the hand towards one in token of reverence” (Thayer), and “to adore, fall or prostrate before” (Zodhiates). Worship is God-centered, not man-centered (cf. Jn. 4:24). It is difficult to bow before another as it is a clear sign of submission and subservience. However, a proper understanding of what God has done for us in Christ should remove such pride. As Paul said, when we were living in trespasses and sins, we were “…children of wrath, But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…” (Eph. 2:3-5). This He did at the cost of sacrificing His Son (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 9:11-15; 1 Pt. 1:17-19). Jesus granted us the privilege of coming near to God (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:19; 10; 19-22). For this cause, opportunities to worship and serve Him are an honor, not a burden.
A second reason is the reality that Christianity is a “one another” religion. So many passages emphasize our deep connection to one another. Consider a few samplings of these passages urging us to care for the needs of others and not just our own wants and wishes. As Christians we are to: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…” (Rom. 12:10), “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4), and “Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (Heb. 12:12-13).
I have heard Christians say of the strength provided in the extra services of the church that they have no need of such things, so they do not see a need to come. However, a closer look at the function of all the meetings of the church shows the fallacy of such a thought. The Hebrews writer urged his readers not to forsake the assemblies of the church (Heb. 10:25). What we often fail to emphasize is that, in addition to the God focused aim of worship, we are to “…consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). Just because I may feel strong enough to not need to be gathered with my brethren, that does not relieve me of my responsibility to stir up the one who needs me. What’s in it for you? The privilege of pleasing God and securing salvation for both yourself and your brothers and sisters in Christ.