Articles
Why the Assembly?
Last week we examined some of the purposes and motivations of the local church assembly. In this article we will examine our gathering for worship from a slightly different perspective.
Assembling for worship is to praise God. This is stating the obvious, for the essence of any worship is to praise God. While it is true that we can (and should) worship God when we are alone, there is an undeniable collective element to worship as well. Our public prayers are addressed to God and acknowledge His vital role in every aspect of our lives. We are to “sing with grace in [our] hearts to the Lord” (Col 3:16). Our observance of the Lord’s supper is first a communion with Him, an expression of our thankfulness for His sacrifice and a public proclamation of the significance of His death (1 Cor 10:16; 11:23-26).
The most basic element of group worship is that each individual must be a worshiper. Our intent, anticipation and participation in worship should be with God in mind: Am I attending with the right frame of mind toward Him? Do I genuinely have a desire to honor Him? When I sing, do I sing to Him? Am I mired in a rut? Am I distracted by the “human” elements of the assembly?
Assembling for worship is to encourage others. Again, this is stating the obvious, or else we would have been instructed to simply find a quiet or inspiring place to offer solitary worship to God. But God has designed a “one another” facet to worship: “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Col 3:16); “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some” (Heb 10:24-25); “when you come together to eat, wait for one another” (1 Cor 11:33). Why is this so?
First, because we are at our core social creatures. We long to share life’s significant happenings with others, from weddings to birthdays, from graduations to holidays, from sports to amusement parks. We like to explore, experience and celebrate with others because it enhances the moment. But this presupposes that our brethren are the very ones who hold a special place in our hearts. If we aren’t cultivating meaningful relationships with others, we will likely have a casual attitude toward worshiping with them.
Second, we need the camaraderie and accountability that a tight-knit spiritual family can provide. Things that may be for our personal benefit can be neglected. This is evidenced by the widower who doesn’t take care of himself as he should now that his wife is gone. At times our care for others drives us to do necessary things that we would not do for ourselves.
It is not unusual to hear people say of missing worship: “I just don’t get anything out of it.” The obvious rejoinder is: “What are you giving?” If you are not truly giving to God, and if you do not see your worship as a blessing to others, then you will have little motivation to be present.
Assembling for worship is to strengthen myself. Both the above points result in a stronger you, for it is only when the needs and interests of others rise above our own that we develop a sound spiritual identity. Mr. Independent who prides himself in not needing others is not really strong. Ms. Unaccountable who resents the expectations of and duty toward others is not truly joyful. Sir Free Spirit who flits around as he pleases and never really contributes anything of value to anyone is not mature. Captain Corporate who neglects spiritual health and involvement in the local body while attending to his career is not successful in the things that really matter. Aloof, absent and undependable are not hallmarks of faith.
As in all things, the Lord is our example. He who needs no one in His divinity embraces His lessers in His humanity: “He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You’” (Heb 2:11-12).
