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The Stay-Away Evil

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 23, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 51.

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The Stay-Away Evil

By E. K. Slade

E. K. SLADE
MANY fail to have a proper estimate of the importance attached to faithful attendance at our church services. Notwithstanding the injunction of the Scriptures, “Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together,” the tendency seems to be in the way of greater slackness and unfaithfulness in that respect, even though there are many evidences that the day is very near at hand. In the mind of God there are special reasons why his people should meet together in worship as the end draws near. There can be no other interpretation of the scripture which says, “Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together; . . . and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” than that it refers to the importance of the Lord’s people practising faithfulness in the matter of attending church services as they draw near to the end.
It is a mistaken idea that church services are merely for the people of God to meet and worship him. It is true that that is an important part of the service. A special blessing is in store for those who assemble in the name of God, and enter into the worship in the true spirit and with the proper understanding of God’s purposes. We would not underestimate the importance of this feature of the church services. Some have said, “We can pray and study our Bibles at home, and avoid the extra labor and exertion to prepare for church and go to the place of worship.” Those who have this view of the matter do not understand, neither do they exercise a proper faith in the counsel of the great Head of the church. There are not very many good reasons for remaining away from church services. Nearly all of the reasons that are given for doing so are strong arguments in favor of the assembling of God’s people.
I have heard persons say with considerable feeling, “As long as things are thus and so, I will remain at home, and I am sure the Lord will bless me there more than he will if I attend church under these conditions.” There are some in our conferences who are habitually remaining away from church services because they are harboring wrong feelings in their hearts toward individuals, or possibly toward the most of the church. I would like to point out briefly some of the principles involved in this question. It is a matter of great importance in our work.
Through the fall, man has come to inherit a nature directly opposite to the divine nature. Every heart has become selfish, and every nature is perverse. Each one naturally seeks his own way and serves himself as supreme. This is not stating the situation in too strong language when we refer to the unrestrained, selfish nature of humanity. For persons of such a nature to dwell together with any degree of peace or safety special laws and regulations are required. This is true in all the world, and because of this governments of men are required. It is God’s purpose through the gospel to bring just such persons into a condition where they may safely and peaceably dwell together, as all will do who truly belong to the household of God and hope to dwell in the house of God forever.
It means much indeed to bring forty, fifty, or one hundred persons together into the close relationship that church-membership necessitates. For such a close relationship to be entered into safely by selfish beings, a set of laws and regulations would be required, with severe penalties attached. The gospel provides for this close and intimate association. A transformation is to be wrought that will make it possible for God’s children to dwell together in unity in spite of the disposition in each one to seek his own way. This can be accomplished only through the Lord’s people entering into this close relationship. The Lord has given specific directions regarding the adjusting of difficulties wherever trouble arises. He does not tell his people to separate and scatter in order to get along peaceably, but the word is always to press together. A great work is being accomplished for a people when they are brought to such a condition that they can work together with God and enjoy their seasons of worship and their work in this close relationship with a spirit of love and oneness prevailing. To accomplish this thing is the object of church relationship, which is one of the means ordained of God to help prepare his people for the state from which humanity has fallen. One who purposely withdraws himself from meeting with the local church is definitely defeating the purposes of God, and placing himself on the ground of the enemy.
Holly, Mich.