You know, there’s something truly special, even godly, about believers gathering together. It’s not just a club meeting or a social event. From what I’ve understood in Scripture, it’s far more than a human idea; it’s God’s design for us. The very first Christians truly understood this. They knew that coming together in Jesus’s Name wasn’t just a casual thing you could fit in if you felt like it. No, it was a holy, important part of their lives.
Listen to what the Bible tells us:
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:25 (AMP)
Now, arriving a bit late for a gathering isn’t a sin in itself – let’s be clear about that. But when it becomes a regular habit, or when we don’t care much about it, it can truly affect how the Body of Christ works and flows. It’s not just about what the clock says, is it? It’s really about what’s in our heart towards the Lord and His people.
Our Gathering: God’s Appointment #
When the Church meets, it’s not just us coming together. Jesus Himself is right there in the middle of us. He promised:
“For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
The Bible shows us that early believers came together with purpose, with a sense of togetherness, and ready hearts. Just look at the Day of Pentecost:
“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all together in one place.” — Acts 2:1 (AMP)
If we truly believe that God has called us to gather, then our main aim should be to be present from the very beginning. It’s not because God is strict about a schedule, but because we truly value His calling and His presence among us. It’s about honouring Him.
The Body Works Best When Everyone’s There #
The Apostle Paul often compared the Church – the ekklesia (Greek: ἐκκλησία), meaning “called out assembly” – to a human body. Every part of the body is important, and each part gives something special that the others need (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). When we’re not there, or when we’re late, that special gift or help we bring is delayed. It’s like a part of the body isn’t quite connected, and the whole body misses out.
“From Him the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, causes the body to grow and mature.” — Ephesians 4:16 (AMP)
This isn’t about making anyone feel guilty. It’s simply reality: the sooner we are present, the sooner our unique gift, our presence, our prayer, our very self, can help build up and strengthen the Body.
Why Lateness Can Be More Than Just Traffic #
Of course, sometimes being late can’t be helped – travel problems, work demands, or health issues or simply laziness or offence. We understand that. But the Bible also warns us about attitudes that can sneak into our hearts and lead to a lack of care:
| Heart Posture | Biblical Insight | Scripture (AMP) |
|---|---|---|
| Treating fellowship lightly | The Church is a special, holy place, the home of God’s Spirit. | “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) |
| Letting other worries take over | Every day concerns can choke out God’s Word and His plans for us. | “But the cares of this world… choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19) |
| Thinking “my presence isn’t important” | Every part is needed, no matter how small. Every member truly counts. | “But God has selected and placed each of the parts in the body, just as He desired.” (1 Corinthians 12:18) |
Early Arrival: A Spiritual Practice #
In the Old Testament, people used to prepare themselves before entering the temple to worship God. For us, under the New Covenant, our preparation is more about our inner man: it’s about prayer, focusing our hearts, and being ready to serve.
“But as for me, I would seek God and inquire of Him, and I would commit my cause to God.” — Job 5:8 (AMP)
Arriving early gives us precious time to settle our hearts on Christ, to listen to His Spirit, and to be ready for whatever He wants to do before the gathering even officially begins. It sets the tone for our hearts.
Jesus Deserves Our First and Best #
Our Lord truly deserves our very best, our priority, not just what’s left over after everything else. When we are on time, or even early, we are showing Him honour, not just by being present, but by showing that our hearts are ready and prepared for Him.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God.” — Romans 12:1 (AMP)
This isn’t about following strict rules just for the sake of it. It’s about love – showing how much we value His presence and His people above our own comfort or plans. This is the heart of true koinonia (Greek: κοινωνία), genuine fellowship.
A Little Thought from My Heart #
Jesus never treated His Father’s work as anything less than the most important thing. And the Church, this gathering of believers, is His very Body. This beautiful fellowship is His precious gift to us. So, being ready and present from the start is a quiet but very powerful way of telling Jesus: “Lord, You alone are worth my time, my full attention, and my best preparation.”
In Christ,
Godwin.
