A little story that illustrates the problem of attendance goes like this:
In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave to people in his town. At last he decided to build them a church building.
No one saw the complete plans for the building until it was finished. When the people gathered, they marveled at its beauty and completeness.
Then someone asked, “But where are the lamps? How will it be lighted?”
The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls. Then he gave to each family a candle which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship.
“Each time you are here, the area where you are seated will be lighted,” the nobleman said. “Each time you are not here, that area will be dark. This is to remind you that whenever you fail to come to church, some part of God’s house will be dark.”
Should we start giving out candles next Sunday? This is just a story but it has a stinging point. Those who seldom, if ever, attend worship or Bible study may be like those of whom it was said: “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16).
Jesus also said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15).
Attending all services of the church is letting your light shine – after all you come to worship God and study His word – then leave to serve.
Maybe it would be good to pray, “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” (Psalm 18:28).