|
TRAINING OUR
CHILDREN TO RESPECT AND HONOR GOD IN OUR WORSHIP ASSEMBLIES Part 3 of 3 by Pat Gates
To help our children remain faithful throughout their lives we need
to give them a good solid foundation of respect towards Almighty God. We do this by teaching them who God is and how we are
to please Him, as revealed in the holy scriptures. We need to make sure they understand God is One to be feared, to be glorified,
to be honored, and adored; that He is praiseworthy and one with whom we bow ourselves in humble submission. In order for our
children to learn this, they must see it in ourselves and hear not only instruction but see our example of respect towards
our Creator and Savior. While we must live holy lives throughout the
week, our children should witness our true respect towards God in our treatment of the worship assembly. We must show complete
honor to Christ and His church by our own actions and in our teaching and discipline in our children's actions during the
worship service. Distractions from our focus on why we are assembled must be eliminated, as much as depends on us, and we
and our children must not become purposeful distractions for others (not talking about crying babies and situations
we can't help). This month we are going to continue our thoughts on what
can distract from our worship of God when we are gathered as a church for the purpose of honoring and adoring God the Father,
our Savior, Jesus, and the word the Holy Spirit has revealed unto us.
(1) Pew Ownership. First
of all, nothing is wrong with sitting in the same pew every Sunday and even if you wanted to change pews every week, most
likely, you will fail in your pursuit due to the fact most are content to remain in "their place." What does become
wrong is when we become so adamant about "our pew" that we get put-out when someone beats us to our seat. We may
excuse a visitor (still feeling a tiny bit irritated) but if it is someone who is a part of that local congregation we
may feel apalled that the person took our seat when he knows it's ours. First of all, this feeling is silly and petty but,
more importantly, do our child know we are put-out with that family or do they see us humbly sitting somewhere else,
not placing emphasis on something as fleshly as demanding our pew. Here are some examples of "pew
ownership" that should never become a distraction from our purpose of assembly. - Getting upset if the
back seats are reserved for visitors, late-comers, the ill, or parents with babies. I've known of a family that quit coming
due to their back pew being taken away from them for this reason. They were upset that became such an issue when, in actuality,
they were the ones making it an issue.
- Refusing to move in the center of the pew when asked by the announcer to make
room for visitors. Our children are listening and noticing how much we care if visitors are made to feel welcomed.
- Standing
at the end of "our" pew until the occupants move toward the center or squeezing in to make a point, even though
other seats are available.
- Refusing to sit closer to the front. Period. I've heard of a congregation where there
was a gospel meeting and the front pews from half way up, on one side of the building were empty, because the "regulars"
took their regular seat in the back pews. It was not encouraging to the speaker nor to visitors and even some of the members
of that local congregation were embarrassed by it. At what other function do we choose to always sit in the back seats? Are
we so attached to our pew that our comfort zone is more important than looking like we are anxious to hear the gospel and
be encouraging to those around us?
- Looking for the best seat or refusing to sit anywhere other than near friends.
- Sitting
where it is the quickest to get out and get home.
We may not teach, by mouth, things
that are discouraging and fleshly to our children but they observe our actions and learn
from them.
 (2) Temptation of cell phones. Who would have thought, a few years ago, we would all be carrying
around tiny phones, even our children doing so! It has been a wonderful invention, but like many inventions, there are also
problems that occur. If you feel compelled to send a text that isn't necessary to send, during worship service, please
refrain from doing so. How often would a text be necessary? Perhaps once in a long time there may be an emergency to
come up when you have an ill loved one at home and they can text you if they need you right away, but if there is not an emergency,
what are you teaching the young people around you? A phone
in the hands of teenagers can be very tempting during worship, especially if they sit on the back pew without supervision.
Texting friends, playing games, searching the internet and who knows what can all be done on phones now. I didn't have this
situation when I was raising my boys but I do believe if I was a mother now, raising teenagers, I would not allow a phone
to be taken to the church building. It's too much of a temptation when all our heart, mind, and soul should be focusing on
the One we serve. One important thing to note:
For those of you who are not aware some people use their phones, computers, and other electronic devices during services or
Bible class because they have the Bible downloaded and they are reading the Bible off of these devices. As far as allowing
our children to do this, wisdom needs to be used to make sure there is no temptation to use the device for anything not concerned
with spiritual worship.
(3)
Apathy and lack of respect. Our children watch and learn. Read the following list of items
that make an impression on visitors. Are we teaching our children to make a good impression on visitors? Or the opposite?
Things that Impress Visitors
- Two or three prayers that cannot be heard.
- Members that daydream or sleep throughout the sermon.
- Members who pass notes during the Lord’s Supper.
- Members
who never open their mouths during the singing.
- Floors cluttered
with dirty gum wrappers, Kleenex, baby’s cookie crumbs, scraps of stuff.
- Scribbling in and playing with the hymnals.
- Giggling.
- Members who whisper, talk, write notes, pass pictures, etc, all
through the services.
- Persistent late-comers who disturb
and distract their fellow worshippers.
- Members who do not
speak to visitors.
- Announcements that are mumbled.
- Singing that is lifeless and insincere.
- Members who look like they wish they could be elsewhere.
unknown
(4) Apathy or Shyness when it comes to visitors. My mom always made it a point to meet visitors even
when I knew it wasn't always easy for her. By her example I saw how important a few kind words of welcome are to those who
have made an effort to join us in worship. What kind of example are we being to our children? Believe me, if they never see
you speak to a visitor, most likely they won't care to when they become an adult. How can we ignore this much needed lesson?
How can we ignore a visitor? Our Lord sees us ignoring one
who is searching for truth or perhaps one who is a child of God who cares enough to worship Him when out of town. What do
you think the Lord thinks about us when we don't speak to visitors and don't care about our children learning to do so? Read the following excellent paragraph.
I Was Lost and You Were in a Hurry Author Unknown I attended your services Sunday evening. You wouldn't remember me. I was there
looking for something - I think I would have found it if you had not been in such a hurry. You sang hymns about a loving Lord.
I felt a tight choking sensation, and my heart beat faster. Your preacher's message was thrilling. I realized I was lost and
from the way he spoke, it seemed important to have a Savior. The preacher finished his appeal and asked you to stand and sing another of those
beautiful songs you know so well. I swallowed a lump in my throat and wished I knew the joy of which you sang. I was about
to answer the call of the Gospel, when I heard a buzzing beside me. When I looked around, you were picking up toys and telling
your children to get ready to leave. In front of me were whisperers and gigglers. A couple had already headed for the door.
The ushers rushed about stacking chairs and opening doors. Beside me, you were frowning at your watch as if time were running
out. Seeing
what I saw, I didn't want to look anymore. My eyes burned, my throat hurt, my feet wouldn't walk down the aisle. I could see
that you really didn't care. This salvation the preacher had been telling about was not as important to you as getting out
"on time." I only wanted to get away. I waited until services were over and walked out among you - alone unnoticed
- and lost. Lost, because you were in a hurry. Lost, because it appeared you didn't really care if I was saved. http://www.aubeacon.com
 REGARDING WEARING MODEST CLOTHING... Here is what I've learned so far: I have not always been a modest
dresser, but have learned better with maturity. I decided some time ago to simplify as much of my life as possible,
for many reasons. I found practicing simplicity allowed me to focus on things that matter.
Applying the simplicity principle to appearance, I came up with a uniform suitable for almost any occasion.
Simple, durable clothing requires no painstaking labor. I am no longer trying to gain the approval of other people, only
to present myself as God's servant. Some people will not approve, no matter how one dresses. I am learning to
just release that, let it go.
Wearing pants (plain, not tight, etc) saves the expense and careful
handling of delicate hosiery in this time of frugality. I suspect part of the reason many Christian men want the women
to only wear skirts is because MEN like to see them - not because God requires it. It became part of our rigid tradition,
as deeply ingrained as 2 songs a prayer and a song. Some of the same people 'offended' by pants, would be equally offended
by a complete sari or burqa. They just don't like them.
We must look beyond the packaging,
to see the person as God sees them. Our young ones need time to gain experience and maturity. They have to feel
confident they are loved before they can accept correction. It takes time and effort and prayer to gain their trust.
We older ones need to check our own hearts, lest we envy their youth and beauty. Correction without genuine love and
respect has driven many young people away from God's house.
What people notice about a Christian
should not be primarily the physical appearance, but the joy of the Lord - our strength. Our compassion, our calm trust
in Him in any storm. And our clothing of course must completely cover the subject, suit the occasion and meet the need.
-anonymous
|
