The best counter to that bad habit would be to develop the good habit of attending the assemblies of the church on a faithful, regular basis. The thing about“getting into a habit”, however, any habit, is that it is the very nature of habits to become things we do without thinking.

Some of that is very good. For example, if you really are in the habit of attending Bible class and worship assemblies (the primary reasons for which the church meets) then you never have to stop and make a decision when those times come as to whether you are going to go. Your habit of attending eliminates the need for making a decision. This is because you actually already made the decision back when you originally developed the habit of going and that decision, though it may have been made long ago, still stands.

But sometimes the “without thinking” part of habits can lead to trouble. For example, we get so used to “going to church” and “going through the motions” so to speak, that we may fail to actually worship while we are there. We know, and become so used to the “routine” that as we do with our bodies such things as singing, bowing for prayer, eating unleavened bread and drinking grape juice, that our hearts and minds may be shifted into neutral and never ascend any farther than the ceiling of the church building.

What to do? Resolve to worship deliberately, and intentionally! Prepare your heart and mind before you ever leave your home. Consider why you are making time for worship, Bible study and the mutual building up and strengthening of the family of God.

How could we not smile at all those we meet and greet them heartily knowing that we are about to offer our thanks and appreciation to the Almighty Creator of the universe who has prepared an eternal home for us at the expense of Jesus’ life?

How could we, with the glory and the greatness of God in mind, sing mindlessly, or even worse, sit passively by while others sing? How could we not strain to hear and follow the intimate thoughts of one leading a prayer before that great throne?

So yes, build a habit. But make yours the habit of deliberate, body-disciplined, heartfelt, mind-engaged worship. Do that, and God will be looking for you!