The Cause of Absenteeism. We are all familiar with the cleansing of the ten lepers. It is often used to teach the lesson of gratitude. But let us not overlook the lesson that it teaches on the cause of absenteeism. It was time for thanksgiving and the nine were absent. Why were they absent? There was a defect in their hearts. If their hearts had been all that they should have been, they would have returned with the one to give thanks. They had as much reason to return and give thanks as the one did. Let us make some present- day application.
Bible Study. It is 9: 3 0 Sunday morning. A number of those who have
been blessed by the Lord return to the assembly to study the Bible. But
as I look at the attendance, I see on the board a number less than our
membership. I ask the question, “Where are the others?” Were not all of
them cleansed by His blood? Why did this small number return to give glory
to God? Did not the failure of the nine lepers to return to give thanks
to Christ show that something was wrong with their hearts? When Christians
do not show up for Bible study on Sunday morning, can anyone doubt that
they have defective hearts? Is there not something wrong with one’s heart
who is not interested in studying the Bible? Where are those who do not
return for Bible study on Sunday morning? Are they sleeping late? Are they
too lazy to come? Do they not have as much need to study the Bible as the
ones who do attend?
Sunday Night. The time is Sunday night. Some have returned to worship God, but the number has decreased considerably. Many who were here on Sunday morning have not returned to worship God. I ask, “Where are the others?” The building was nearly full this morning, but now half of the seats are empty. Where are the others? Someone may answer, “They are not here because they cannot find in the Bible a command to return on Sunday night.” Did Christ command the lepers to return? No. What the nine needed was not a command, but an enlarged heart. The “others” who are not there on Sunday night do not need a command; they need to get their hearts corrected. The one leper who returned to give thanks to Christ was proof of what the other nine should have done. Those who return to worship God on Sunday night are proof of what the others ought to do.
Wednesday Night. The time is Wednesday night. Those who have returned
to study the Bible are still small in number. Where are the others? Some
are watching television; some are resting as they have worked all day.
Is there nothing wrong with one’s heart who will miss Bible study to watch
television? Is there nothing wrong with one’s heart who sits at home in
an easy chair while Christians meet to feed on the “bread of life”? You
would not try to excuse the nine for their absenteeism. Then why try to
excuse yourself, if you are numbered among the “others” that do not return?
Which group do you belong to?
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness
(Matthew 6: 33).
by Franklin Camp (deceased)