Where is everybody?

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25

"Where is everybody?" I remember an elder asking everyone at an elder meeting one day. He was concerned that people were not attending Sunday services and wanted to make sure that someone else, meaning the pastor, was doing his job of reaching out to those who were not at church. When we probed, he was primarily interested in people he knew who were not attending church anymore. 

Scripture teaches us that we should not neglect our meeting together, not only on Sundays but throughout our journey as believers, to encourage, edify, and uplift one another. It is the responsibility of all of us to check in and see how everyone is doing. 

Dear Church, as Scripture encourages, let us consider how to motivate one another to love and do good works. As you look around, are there people you need to reach out to during the week to pray, support, and encourage? I encourage you to meet up regularly. Are there those who are not here today? Could you make an effort to reach out to them? 

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. - Romans 15:5-7