Places of worship deserve respect

Whatever happened to the word reverence?

Maybe I am hung up about the past but something bothers me about the way some of us approach places of worship.

There is a clear departure where some people have lowered their bar as far as reverence to God is concerned. In the Old Testament days, only the priest entered the Holy of Holies and he did not just walk in. He had to go through certain cleansing ceremonies before he went in, a rope tied around his waist in case he displeased God and died in there, people would use the rope to pull the body out.

With the coming of grace however, these restrictions were removed and anybody can approach the throne of God.

Some habits or actions are however bothersome. Consider these:
a) Coming to church drunk/smelling of alcohol.

Now I know this is controversial because the argument could be that God does not choose. His arms are open wide to receive anybody who calls upon his name.

True, but some people can cause serious distractions to the congregation such that the entire purpose of why people are gathered is totally lost.

b) Talking. You have seen and heard them. The moment the pastor begins to share the word, these two begin to share their stories.

The problem is that they do not care to whisper. Even if they did whisper, the movements, giggles and tapping of hands are enough distraction.

c) Lack of concentration. These ones are experts at minding other people’s business.

Instead of concentrating on the words of the song projected above, they are busy looking this way and that. You can see them singing and clapping hands, but clearly, they are very detached from what is on the ground. It is worse during sermon times; they will fidget, shift and turn in their seats, sometimes shaking the whole bench with ceaseless vigorous leg movements much to the chagrin of those who want total peace.

d) Dressing. Yes, some form of dressing can be disrespectful. The next question I would be asked is what do I consider as respectful dressing.

Do I mean long, wide skirts and long-sleeved baggy tops for women?

I mean what will not draw away people’s attention and you become the centre of attention?

Naturally, if you showed up in a red micro-mini skirt and six-inch boots, very short top that exposes your cleavage and stomach, people’s heads will turn.

e) Etiquette. Chewing gum in church is a no no. But why, you may ask? After all, doesn’t the Lord only delight in true worship from the heart?

Was it not the Lord who accused the Pharisees of being hypocrites because of their concern for the outward rather than the inward?

Yes, He did but would you show up for an interview chewing gum?

When all is said and done, one scripture stands out: that God wants us to have order in our services.

This applies to both the leaders and the congregation.