Don’t Let Your Absence Speak For You.

Quick question, what other name was Thomas the disciple also called?

    The Bible tells us that Thomas is also called Didymus (John 11:16, John 20:24, John 21:2).  I would hazard a guess that the first thing that came to your mind however was Doubting Thomas.  That moniker isn't in the scripture but has been given to him because of the events Of John 20:24-29.  Here Thomas refuses to believe that Jesus was resurrected until he sees the physical proof that the other apostles received (John 20:20).  Jesus does appear and shows him just what he asked for.  Because of this event, Thomas has been singled out as a Doubter.  I’m not sure that this is all that fair[1].  Other disciples were not so sure even when they had met the resurrected Jesus (Luke 24:37-40).  In fact, all the apostles got scolded for not believing the witnesses to his resurrection (Mark 16:13-14).  So why then does Thomas get the “doubting” nickname?

    Well, simply it comes down to the fact he was absent when Jesus first appeared to the other ten (John 20:24).  Now some folks have done lot of speculating to exactly why Thomas wasn't there.  Some say he had fallen away.  Some suggest he was taking care of other affairs.  But we really don't know what caused his absence.  Whatever reason, good or bad, he was gone and because of that is this disciple singled out for his doubting.

    It made me think about what our absence may, fairly or unfairly, say about us.  When we miss services, some may think we are unfaithful.  Some may take our absence as a statement that we don't support the church.  Some may see it as sign that the church is not doing well, especially if we take others with us.  None of these things may be true, but our absence has often more to say than we think it does.

    Now I know that there will be things that keep us from attending every service.  Life happens. Sickness, injury, events all can pull us away.  However, I think it is very important for us to consider how much our absences can affect things.  Teachers are demoralized when classes are empty.  Preacher’s doubts surface when they think people don't care.  Deacons are put into panic trying to cover for the missing.  Elders concerns are redirected from other works.  For the Church to be effective in her work, her members need to not miss the times of assembly!

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,  not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25 

    Your absence does more than you realize.  The church is not strengthened.  People are not encouraged.  Your own faith suffers.   The attitude that thinks missing church service is not a big deal is wrong.  Assembling with the Saints is important.

    Casual attendance implies a lukewarm faith. Even if you have some good reasons, don't get into the habit of forsaking the assembly.  Don’t be known as “Missing Member”.  Don't make anyone doubt your commitment to Christ.

    Don't let your absence speak for you.

[1] Thomas had shown great faith. In fact in John 11:16 Thomas was ready to die with Jesus