Question:

Is it considered sin not to pay attention in meeting or to doze off if you are really tired?

Answer:
James 4:17 says, “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Romans 14:23 says, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” These verses say that it could be a sin to not pay attention in meeting or doze off for someone who knows it is good to pay attention.

The young man Eutychus fell asleep during a long sermon by Paul. He fell out of the window and was thought to be dead. When he lived, the believers were comforted. This doesn’t clearly condemn his dozing off as sin. It would be natural to get tired during a midnight sermon (Acts 20:7-12). Our problem may be that we are not taking care of our bodies as God would have us if we fall asleep during a one hour meeting.Some other things to consider are that the disciples fell asleep while Jesus prayed (Matthew 26:36-46). One brother I know takes medicine that makes him sleepy. Another brother often closes his eyes to meditate, but he is not asleep. Another brother, now with the Lord, said that it is better for people to come to meeting and sometimes fall asleep, than to just not come.