Growing up in church, my sisters and I were raised to be still and listen to God's Word. There was no thought to leave my pew until services were over. Even the children bussed in were taught how to sit still and listen. To not get up to go to the restroom four or five times in one hour. We were taught that church is where we go to listen, to learn, to love one another and to go out and spread the Good News.
Nowadays, it appears that a movie theater has more respect and reverence that the sanctuary of a church. My question would be; Where is our focus? Is it on God's Words? When we are singing, are we singing from the heart, listening to the praise we are singing to God? When the speaker is in the pulpit, are we listening to the words God has put in the speakers voice? if our focus is on getting up to go to the restroom, or going out to smoke, then where is the focus? Surely it is not on God and not on respecting those we disturb when we follow our own desires to leave during the hour we have put aside to worship God.
It is understandable if you are holding a screaming baby or a squirming toddler. Or even if you are elderly and have a weak bladder. These things must be taken into consideration for everyone's comfort. Otherwise, why do we go to church if we do not have the intention to worship God in a manner pleasing to Him. Do we respect Him and those around us? Are the words He gives us worth sitting still and listening to for just one hour. Oh how I hope the answer you have in your heart is YES!
My prayer is that we show reverence to the God who made us, to honor Him not only in church but in all that we say and do. Love to all my brothers and sisters in Christ, both here and in your corner of the world.
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