Monroe Pressnell
I must confess, and my Mother will confirm that I don't visit her as often as I should. I want to affirm that it's so very important to go to "Grandmother's House" or to Mother's house or to the house of others that are important to us as often as we can. At the same time I must remind all of us that we must not let these visits get in the way of our service to God.
I know people who miss the services of the church to go to Grandmother's house. I know people who make these visits without telling the brethren at the local church where they will be. But you say "I attend services there -- does the weak Christians at the home congregation know that or does he assume that you are at home or someplace else and that your attendance at the services or the local church is not so important? Did you remember that you were on the list to take a public part in the services at the home congregation? What kind of influence will your absence have on the members of the local church?
Don't we all agree that we need to make arrangements and let all the members of the local church know where we are and that we are at worship when we miss the services where we attend? Why not make or have made a public announcement when we're going to be away. Think of the positive influence that announcement might have on a weak brother. Remember Paul said, "let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another." (Romans 14:19).
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 10/20/96.