Pastors have a nickname for church members who only show up to worship on Christmas and Easter—Chreasters. We love them and would love to see them more, which is why most Christmas and Easter sermons include a plea to come back before the next major holiday.

Last Easter, however, it dawned on me how confusing Chreasters would have been to first-century Christians. If Jesus really is the God who died and rose in order to save us from eternal punishment, then visiting your church as often as you visit your dentist simply doesn’t make sense. If Jesus was an ancient influencer or brilliant philosopher, perhaps, but if he is your Lord and Savior, your Prince of peace, your King, and your Friend, then surely he deserves a primary place in your schedule.

Let me nudge you and those you love off the fence. If Jesus didn’t die and rise for you, do whatever you want on the weekends. But if you believe, like I do, that Jesus gave up his life so you could live and conquered death so you wouldn’t die eternally, then love him with your heart, soul, mind, and schedule. “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing” (Hebrews 10:24,25).

God wants to spur you on toward a greater love and use you to spur others on toward that same goal. That’s why we gather for Christmas, Easter, and all the Sundays in between.