And let us 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, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
This is a familiar passage that is often used as a spiritual cudgel to compel faithful church attendance. It certainly is valuable and vital for Christ-followers to be actively involved in worship, study and fellowship with other Christians. It does "stir up love and good works" yet, sometimes it stirs up the exact opposite. A reason many cite for not attending. So what is the determining factor that makes an assembly of Christians a place of stirring and exhorting so compelling that participation in it is irresistible? Could it be the spiritual pursuits outside the four walls of the church greatly enhances the quality of the collective spiritual pursuits within them?
Let me borrow a passage from A.W. Tozer in his book, "The Pursuit of God" (Chapter VII, "The Gaze of the Soul"), the Sunday School class I attend has been studying this book. I highly recommend reading it. According to Tozer, faith is the "continuous gaze of the heart at the Triune God." Now, here is the relevant passage that I found to be most powerful:
Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshippers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other then they could possibly be were they to become "unity" conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship. Social religion is perfected when private religion is purified. The body becomes stronger as its members become healthier. The whole Church of God gains when the members that compose it begin to seek a better and a higher life.
Unity that stirs up love and good works results from individuals gazing upon God first and not each other. It's the continuous gaze Monday-Saturday that enriches the "Sunday experience". It's something worth pursuing and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
May your day be blessed!
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