Challenges & Conversations (10/27/15)

The most important person in the building on Sunday morning is not the pastor.  Everyone says, "Amen."  It's true.  I'm right there with you.

The most important person in the building on Sunday morning is not you.  Perhaps a few less are joining the "amen."  Okay let's keep going.

The most important person in the building on Sunday morning is not the guest.  Guests should be valued, yes, but there is someone else who is more esteemed.

The most important person in the building on Sunday morning is Jesus.  Let all God's people say, "Amen."

Now that we agree, here comes the right hook.  If Jesus is the most important person in the building, then why all the irreverence?

It starts with the people who are late habitually. Service begins at 10:30 and they arrive at 10:40 or 10:45. Like clockwork. Every week. There is the issue about Sunday School stragglers. That last cup of coffee means there is a stream of people into the sanctuary once service begins. It doesn't stop there.  Movement while the Bible is being read -- are you serious? It's not as if we're reading from the newspaper!  Movement during prayer -- really?  You must think God and you are equals.  Movement during the preaching of God's Word -- your life is that well ordered that you don't need to hear His truth?  Let's not even discuss the rustling of candy wrappers -- during the entire service!  Oh, and those side conversations that you have with those nearby -- sound carries in the sanctuary. I haven't forgotten about the cell phones.  Neither has anyone else who cringes when yours keeps going off.

Might it be that our culture of informality is out of control?  Has parking lot behavior become sufficient for the sanctuary?  Are we more concerned about greeting one another than we are meeting with Jesus?  Is that call on the phone more important than the call to the altar? If Jesus is all of Who we sing Him to be, hope Him to be, know Him to be, and preach Him to be, then how can such irreverence continue?

What one adjustment will you make to increase reverence in your life?