He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.–Matt.12:30
Recorded twice in scripture as a double warning, our Lord speaks of those who gather not but scatter. what is it to gather with Christ?.. .to scatter?
Our Lord said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mt. 18:20). It is very clear that to gather with Christ is to gather with His people whenever and wherever they gather. Whether to worship in the church house or work on the church house, we are to gather with Christ's people, else we scatter.
When the church meets to worship, we should gather with them, otherwise we scatter. Without saying it, we are telling others that it is all right to "forsake the assembling of ourselves", and as far as we are concerned, the doors of the church house need not be open, everyone can just scatter.
When the men meet in the study before the service to seek the Lord's presence by prayer and scripture reading, ALL the men should "gather." He that gathereth not "scattereth". That man, by example is telling the others that the meeting is not necessary; prayer for the preaching and hearing is not needed, and he does not need to fellowship with the other men.
When it is time to do a service in the church house, such as work in the nursery, that woman who does not cheerfluly, willingly, promptly and faithfully do her part, "scattereth." She is telling the other women that the nursery is a drudgery, a dreaded chore, and she only does it because it is required of her. It should be her privilege to serve other mothers by allowing them to worship without distraction. Whatever the work to be done: grass to cut, porch to sweep, lightbulb to change, snow to shovel, he or she who does not help out is a hindrance and a poor example to others.. .they are scattering their ill-will around.
The Lord tells us, "If any would not work, neither should he eat." He that does not take part in the work around the church should not partake of the blessings of the church. No one has a right to the blessings, if they do not take part in the responsibilities. He or she that does not pull together with us is dead weight. We are not required to do great things, but to be "faithful in a few things." Irresponsibility and unfaithfulness is a form of scattering and "sowing discord." The Lord hates them "that soweth discord among the brethren" (Proverbs 6:19).