Jump Start # 3427

Psalms 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

I ran across a quote from Hitler that said, “Tell a lie loud enough and long enough and people will believe it.” I’m not sure if he actually said that, it could be a repeated lie that was said loud enough and long enough, but the characteristics of that statement sure are true. Much like the prophet of old who claimed the people were substituting good for evil and evil for good. That mixed up society didn’t know what was right and what was wrong.

Through time there has been many lies, urban legends that people have believed to be true. Told loud enough and long enough and people will believe it. And, in this age of social media, those untruths are magnified. You may have heard that NASA discovered Joshua’s missing day. Not true. Or, that Walt Disney was frozen and would later be thawed out. Not true. If you swallow gum it will stay in your stomach for seven years. Not true. Urban legends. Lies told loud enough and long enough and people believe them.

But there is another side to this quote that is worthy of considering. If indeed a lie is told often that it is believed, what happens if the truth is told often? And, this is the first step in changing the culture of a church.

Every congregation has a feel to it. There is a DNA of each church. Some are very formal, leaning towards stiff. Others are very laid back, almost casual. And, within each congregation there is a spirit, an attitude, a culture. And, in some places that culture needs to be change. It needs to be changed because it is not healthy and often it is not Biblical. Some who have walked away from the Lord would love to come back, but they fear the reaction that they will receive by the church. Harsh lectures. Finger pointing. Insulting comments. Critical questions. Whispers. The looks. Rather than the shepherd bringing the lost sheep home on his shoulders, the response is threats, warnings and trouble. Now, why are some churches like that? It’s their culture. And, culture can change.

Here are some things to remember:

First, as in the home with parents, as in the church with leaders, the tone and the culture is set by those who lead. Attitudes are reflected by word choices. When frowns are replaced with smiles. When joy replaces somberness and sternness and people enjoy being around one another the culture slowly begins to change.

When prodigals are loved and accepted, and the spirit of grace and forgiveness fills the air, the DNA of a church begins to shift.

Second, when healthy attitudes are repeated over and over and over, people will start believing that. Here at Charlestown Road, we say every Sunday, “Sunday is the best day of the week.” Now that’s not some cute PR slogan, we believe it. Sunday is when Jesus rose from the grave. Sunday is when disciples assemble. Sunday is when we reflect and remember. Sunday is when Peter preached. And, Sunday is so different. Our schedules are different. We gather with others to praise God. Indeed, Sunday is the best day of the week. I wish every day was Sunday.

We’ve said that and said that and said that a million times. Others now say that. And it shows. An hour before services begin and we have people showing up. Sometimes, nearly an hour after services, people are still hanging around talking, helping and sharing. Now, it’s not that way when I go to the dentist. I get there just in time and I’m ready to leave as soon as I’m done. I go because I have to, not because I want to, and certainly not because I like to. And, when you get that culture changed in a church, people will believe that God is good. Discipleship is powerful. Fellowship is wonderful. And, it is a joy to worship the Lord.

Third, changing the culture, the DNA, of a church won’t happen just because you say something one time. Remember our quote about telling a lie loud enough and long enough and the people will believe. It’s that long enough aspect that is the key. Heaven Bound, is another one of our key expressions around here. We say that all the time. “I’m Heaven bound.” And, when people see that you believe these statements and these statements are true, in time they will catch on. The culture changes. Happiness prevails. Taking care of one another becomes a must.

And, in the process of shifting the DNA to a more positive, healthy and Biblical climate, the ole’ gossipy, complaining and negative spirit needs to no longer be tolerated. That becomes the exception not the norm. And, as the culture changes, those that don’t want to change will quickly be recognized as “what’s wrong with you?” The seven dwarfs belong to Disney, not the disciples of the Lord. Sleepy, Grumpy, and Dopey need to get on board with what it means to be a child of the King.

Preaching, prayers and even the selection of songs has a lot to do with the tone and attitude of a place. Our verse today, one of many wonderful Psalms, that truly had the right DNA and culture about the Lord, expresses the joy of worshipping with others. None of this, “Do we have to go?” stuff. None of this dragging in ten minutes late every week. Get up and get at it, we are going to see the King!

I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

Culture—if it’s not right, fix it. If it is, be thankful and keep it going.

Roger

Jump Start # 3194

Psalms 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

I’m teaching a class that we call, “Profiles of Serving,” a take off of John Kennedy’s book, “Profiles of Courage.” The class looks at different people in the Bible who had the heart of a servant. Obviously, as we look at these character studies, we learn about serving and build a bridge to what we ought to be doing.

A recent study in that class took us to Simon of Cyrene who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus. That study made us look at times when we have to do things. Taking care of aging parents fits into that. Raising your children falls under this. Even going to worship is something that we are supposed to do. What we saw in that class is that the spirit we carry can often ruin the good that we are doing. The question was asked, “How do we move from ‘HAVE TO,’ to ‘WANT TO?’” Have to, is about duty and obligation. It’s like having to serve on a jury. It’s like being drafted in the military. You do your service because you have to. Your heart may not be there. You may not want to do this, but you are compelled.

And, for some, worship is like that. They never miss a service, but it’s out of duty and not love. They have to, not that they want to. So what are the steps from “have to” to “want to?”

Our verse today well illustrates the spirit of want to. I was glad when they said, ‘Let’s go to the house of worship.’ That is much different than the spirit that says, “Do we have to go to church?” Have to or want to. And, the difference in that spirit is the difference one gets out of worship. The “have to’s” get out as soon as they can. They’ve done their duty and now it’s on to the things that they really want to do. Get worship out of the way and get on to fun things. The ‘want to’s’ love being in worship and they love being around those who want to worship. Joy or drudgery? Love or dread? Want to or have to. That’s the key to making worship what it ought to be.

First, this is a thought process. Rather than focusing upon what we have to do and with that longing for it to be over as quick as possible, our minds shift to what we GET TO DO. Looking at things differently changes everything.

• We get to be in the presence of God. We get to talk to God. We get to honor God. When we look at it that way, worship changes. Imagine spending a little time when a world famous person. How wonderful that would be. How excited we would be. How nervous we might be. And, whoever that world famous person is, God is greater. God covers all history. Noah talked to this same God. Abraham talked to this same God. Paul, Peter and even Jesus, talked to this same Heavenly Father. He loves you. He wants you to follow His will. He longs for you to spend forever with Him in Heaven.

• We get to look into the heart of God as we read the Bible. It is His will for us. We come to know God and understand God. Of all the things we could purchase, God’s word, the Bible, is most incredible. It’s a treasure. It’s powerful. It’s personal. And, it’s not locked away in a museum. You have it. Simply incredible.

• Once, we get our thinking switched from ‘have to,’ to ‘want to,’ to ‘get to,’ then we must work on our children. “Do we have to go to church?” is something many kids ask. They may not see the value. They may not appreciate things deeply. But impressing upon them the ‘get to’ mode will help.

• Once a congregation develops that thinking of “get to” attendance rises. So many think that all that is required is Sunday morning. Some, even shorten that by leaving as soon as the Lord’s Supper is over. Did what was commanded, and nothing more is obligated, is the way some think. What a poor attitude and sour relationship with the Lord. Why spend as little time with God as possible? Would you want Him to do that with you? We get to worship. And, once in a while, there are special events, such as meetings, Saturday studies, or studies during the week that can open our eyes to the wonderful Scriptures. Through these, our faith grows. Our connections with others strengthens. It’s wonderful occasions to excel spiritually.

• Throughout this world, there are many, many disciples who would love to be in your shoes. They would love to be part of a congregation that offers so much. Blogs. Podcasts. Studies during the week. Printed class material. So much wealth of information. So many wonderful tools to learn, grow and become. And, many just let those things go by. They’d rather sit at home and watch TV. The ‘want to,’ and the ‘get to,’ simply isn’t there for some folks. And, in time it shows. It is seen in weak faith, weak families, doubts, fear and worry. All of those can easily be conquered if one pours himself into all the opportunities around him spiritually.

Simon of Cyrene had to carry the cross of Jesus. The Roman soldiers “pressed him,” or compelled him to do that. Had he resisted, he may have been struck down violently. He carried the cross because he had to. For us, it’s a matter of “get to.” We get to take care of our family. We get to see to the needs of our aging parents. We get to worship the God of Heaven and Earth. We get to be the light of the world.

When that ‘have to,’ becomes ‘get to,’ things sure look differently. Maybe it’s time we put some thought into what we are thinking about.

Roger

Jump Start # 2501

Psalms 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

Worship is a wonderful blessing that we get to engage in every day. We worship the Lord by ourselves and we worship the Lord when the church assembles. Worship has a way of dusting out the cobwebs of our minds and rearranging the important things in life. We need worship. It honors God and it is beneficial to us.

More and more are wanting to worship less. Let’s hurry through it seems to the spirit of some. You’d think that they have something more important to do than to praise God, and sadly, to them, they probably do. Convenience seems to be the main concern that folks have these days. Let’s make worship as easy on us as possible. I’ve never been a fan of that spirit and recently read something that most today just couldn’t stomach very much.

I’ve been reading a journal called, “Tennessee Baptist History.” Now, you are probably thinking, “Get a life, Roger. Why would anyone read something that dry and dull.” Actually I am very passionate about religious history and love reading anything about that.

So here is the pattern of worship for the Nashville Baptist church in 1828. Remember, travel was a lot harder back then and the roads weren’t the best.

“The pattern of Sunday worship included meeting at sunrise for prayer, praise, and reading of Scriptures. At 10:30 am they met for instruction and prayer. At 3:00 pm they cam together to break bread and take up the collection. At 7:00 pm they read a passage of Scripture and several commented upon it” (Tennessee Baptist History, Vol 18, No. 1, pg 96).

From that, it looks like that those Nashville Baptists gathered together four times on a Sunday. That’s amazing to me. I know if I were to pitch this schedule to folks today, it’d be shot down before I even finished. Gathering at sunrise? Are you kidding? Coming together four times in one day? No, way.

Now some thoughts from all of this:

First, the number of times one assembles is not a barometer of how spiritual one is. Church services alone does not mean one is spiritual. Some can be in the church building but are sleeping, playing with their phones or day dreaming. Assembling once or ten times doesn’t make one spiritual. It’s what is going on inside of that person that makes all the difference.

Second, times have changed. Worship doesn’t change and our need to assemble doesn’t change, but our world is busier and more fast paced than ever before. The number of times we assemble ought to be thought out by the shepherds and determined based upon the needs of the congregation. A younger in faith congregation may need to meet more than a mature congregation. In 1828 folks probably went to bed at sunset. Getting up at sunrise, and even before, was necessary to get a fire going in the stove, milk the cows and many other things that we do not do today.

Even within a generation, times and situations change. Sharp leaders recognize these things and see these things and makes adjustments to schedules that will benefit the congregation. Worship ought to help us, and not be a burden or become a duty that one is compelled to keep.

Third, with modern media and technology, there are ways to connect, encourage and keep the congregation going without always getting together. We have more Bible tools at our fingertips than most of the preachers did in those early 1800’s. We can be better informed, more knowledgeable, and capable of reaching more, faster than ever before. Through copy machines, Facebook, videos, the message of Christ can be spread world wide, very rapidly and very economically. Letter writing was about the only form of communication in the early 1800’s. To print something was expensive. Many congregations did not have a preacher. One traveled from church to church. Those in-between-the-preacher times were often pitiful and painful. It’s not that way today. Every day of the week we can listen or watch a sermon because of the internet.

Fourth, the benefits of worship remain the same. Worship praises God and it builds up our hearts. Through worship our doubts and worries are chased away. Our questions are answered. Our faith is made stronger. Hope seems real and close. And, the word of God remains unchanged. As I write these words, I hear an airplane flying over. The sounds of cars traveling down the street can be heard. I write on a laptop, will send this out via email. So many changes since the 1820’s, but that same saving message hasn’t changed. The nature of man hasn’t changed. What most of us think about hasn’t changed. And, what we need hasn’t changed.

How we worship, how we build a church, how we lead others to Christ, how we shepherd God’s people, none of those things have changed. In the 1820’s one would find a big pot belly stove that heated the church buildings. Not today. Back then, one would find a hitching post out front so people could tie up their horses. Not today. And, today, with mics, powerpoint, computers, livestreaming, we are flying at lightning speed, yet some things never change. Some things must never change. Knowing what can change and what must never change is a vital lesson that all should understand.

I was glad when they said let us go to the house of the Lord. That’s our verse. That’s our spirit. That’s our heart. Rather than, “Do I have to go,” it’s “We get to go.” What a blessing and what an honor that God wants us to worship Him.

You get the most out of worship when you put the most into it. Pour your heart, your soul, and your mind into worship and you’ll feel like you can almost hold out your arm and touch the face of God.

Roger

Jump Start # 2162

Psalms 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

Gathering to worship is as old as mankind on earth. Abel worshipped. Noah worshipped. Abraham worshipped. David worshipped. The disciples, the apostles, the early church came together to worship. We sometimes use the expression, “going to church,” to really mean gathering to worship. The church is the people, saved people. They gather, we go to them, in a sense, for the purpose of worshipping God.

A Pew Survey listed the top reasons why people do not regularly attend worship services. God wants us to worship. We need to want to as well. It’s not a duty one has to do such as getting your annual physical, but it’s a privilege, an honor and a joy. Surrounded by some of the best faces on the planet, God’s people, you get to sing praises, thank the Lord and hear His word read. Good things happen when we worship with others.

Worship reminds us that we are not alone on this journey. There are others, all kinds of others. Folks who have gone through tough times, and there they are worshipping God. It’s rather like the ole’ Armour hot dog song. Fat kids, skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks, tough kids, sissy kids, even kids with chicken pox. We are all in this together. Gathering to worship illustrates this.

Worship has a way of putting God before our eyes. Our schedules and our busyness can put God lower on our list of important things. Prayer gets sidelined. No time for the Bible. Too much to do and too many places to go today. When we come to worship, it’s like life taps the brakes. We slow down a moment. We catch our breath. We realize much of his haste and hurry doesn’t matter. We remember God. We remember what’s really important. Worship does that to us. It has a way of getting our order back into order. The songs are about God. We pray to God. It is God’s word that we read. Worship is about God.

Worship has a way of chasing fears, doubts and worries out of our minds and out of our hearts. Things tend to bother us. They tend to stick around and pester us. The more we worry, the less we pray. But in worship, we remember ancient Israel. We remember Jesus. We remember storms on the sea. We remember oppression of Egyptians. We remember fearful moments with demons and dying children. These are not just stories, they are events that happened. These are God’s footnotes. This is the proof that He is. This is where our hope forms and our faith is fortified. Worship will do that to us.

Yet, large numbers do not take advantage of worship. Every week some are missing. Why? Here’s what the Pew Survey found. Top reasons why people do not regularly go to worship:

They practice their faith in “other ways” (37%)
They are not believers (28%)
No reason is “very important” (26%)
They haven’t found a place to worship that they like (23%)
They don’t like sermons (18%)
They don’t feel welcome (14%)
They don’t have time (12%)
Poor health or mobility (9%)
No place to worship in their area (7%)

That’s the findings. The first thing that stands out is the math. Adding up all these percentages comes to 174%. Some must have had more than one reason. Other than poor health, most of this sounds like excuses, and, excuses that could be fixed if a person really had the mind to. And, that’s exactly what most of this comes down to, having the “want to.” Unless a person “wants to,” they won’t. Some seem to misunderstand what the purpose of worship is about. It’s not like going to a movie theatre to be entertained. It’s about you giving something worthwhile to God. So, a person doesn’t like sermons. God does. And, if the sermon is Biblically true, it just might be the thing one needs to change their life for the better. Some claimed they didn’t have the time. They have the same amount of time as those who did go to worship. God doesn’t bless worshippers with an extra four hours in a day because they went to church. We all have the same amount. The amount of time has never changed. It was the same for Noah, as it was for Paul, as it was for your great-grandfather, as it is for me today. It’s not finding more time, because you won’t. There’s no more time to be found. It’s using your time wisely. It’s being efficient, organized, and, productive. It’s not wasting time. It’s not being idle or lazy.

It would make an interesting class or series of classes to go through these nine survey results and reply to each one of them. What do you say when someone tells you, “I just don’t have time,” to go to worship? What do you say?

It also seems that these nine responses appear as approved reasons for not going to worship. I don’t see much guilt, shame or feeling bad about missing worship in these responses. It’s like a note from home for missing school. It’s ok, I have a reason. But is it ok? Is it ok with God? Is it ok that I don’t think any more of God or God’s people to adjust my life and my schedule to get down to the church house to worship? Do these nine replies get people off the hook? I worship in “other ways.” Whose ways? Talk to Cain about that. He tried that. Talk to Nadab and Abihu about that. They tried it as well. Instead of getting up on Sunday morning, getting dressed and driving down to the church house, I roll over in bed, turn on the TV and watch ESPN. I just worship in a “different way.” Really?

Maybe it’s time we started impressing upon people that God really wants you to worship Him. He wants you to worship Him the way He has patterned it in the Bible. He wants you thinking about Him. He wants you praising Him. He wants you to follow Him. He wants you to obey Him. He wants you to include Him in all that you do. Maybe we’ve given a green light too often for not coming. Kids playing in a ball game. Can’t make it. We say, “I understand.” Company came last night. Can’t be there. “Understand,” we say. Last weekend to take the family to the lake. That’s important. “Got it,” we say. And, with all of those, we have just moved worship to a secondary status. Come worship, unless you can find something more interesting to do. For some, just staying in bed is more interesting. That’s all it takes.

Our verse today, a great one to tell others. “Let us go to the house of the Lord together.” Come with us. We’d love to have you. “Kids got a ballgame. You understand.” No, I really don’t. God’s looking for you. He wants you to be around his people, not ball players. “Well, company came.” Great. Bring them with you. Maybe they’ll learn a thing or two about God. “Last weekend for the lake. You know.” No, I really don’t. God makes all things and wants you to be where He is, and that’s at worship. Come, let us go to the house of the Lord together. Come, sit with us. Come, let me show you some great people. Come.

Why worship? God wants you to. It’s good for you. If you put your all into it, it can even make a better you.

I was glad when they said, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Sunday is the best day of the week!

So, why do I go to worship? Because God’s going to be there and I just want to be where He is. I need to tell Him “Thank You.”

Roger

Jump Start # 2020

Psalms 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

We’ve been looking this week at challenges facing today’s church. It is easy to see from these series that there are many. Meeting these challenges takes real leadership, vision and direction. Congregations that do not have true leaders, tend to flounder and drift. And this, leads us to our next thought about challenges, keeping things alive and moving.

Taking things for granted, is an expression we know all too well. We get into routines, we get distracted and we can take our marriage for granted. Things can become stale and even dull. Work can get that way. Day in and day out, basically the same things, over and over. You do your job because you need a paycheck but if a rich uncle died and left you a boat load of money, you’d leave that job in a second. The passion for work is no longer there. Friendships can do the same thing. They can become tiring and stale. Going out to eat can be the same. Tried all the places. Nothing exciting. You have to eat, so you just pick a place.

That same spirit can spill over to worship and Bible classes. Another Sunday. Another sermon. Another quarter and another new class. Old. Tiring. Same. We go, because we are supposed to. We go, because we know that we need to, but for many worship has sunk to mediocrity and we seem to be stuck on auto-pilot. New members seem excited because everything is new for them. They love the worship. They love the classes. They love everything. But for those who have been around for decades and decades, everything seems about the same.

And, herein lies one of the great challenges facing the church today. How to keep our worship relevant, fresh, passionate and God focused? The routine of worship can become dry like toast. Same faces. Same things being said. Same people teaching. Same methods of teaching. Same. Same. Same. We shuffle in tired. We sit and try not to be bored, minds racing all over the universe, then we leave and go about life. Week after week. Most wouldn’t dare admit it, but this is where worship has sunk to in their lives. They come more to catch up with each other than any other reason. Some come out of habit. And, when you have a whole church building full of this spirit, the congregation and the worship seems dull, tired and lifeless.

Some just accept things this way because they don’t know what else to do. Some, especially, the younger ones, begin being pulled towards more exciting and different forms of worship. In time, some of them will leave.

What a challenge facing the church. What can be done? Is it the church’s responsibility to keep believers interested in God? Shouldn’t they have enough faith within them to be drawn towards God? I have been with churches that seem sleepy. The singing seems sleepy. The preaching seems sleepy. The atmosphere seems sleepy. And, you look around, and not surprisingly, you see people sleeping. Modern churches answer to this is to turn worship into a rock concert with screaming bands of singers, light shows, fog machines and preachers that act more like a comedy club than preachers of the gospel. It’s hard to be sleepy in those places. Food, drinks, even T-shirts are sold. It’s a night out to the concert, or ballgame. It’s a “Wow factor.” The crowds love it. Tons of energy and money is poured into keeping things fresh, moving and exciting. Never a dull moment in those places. No dead air moments. No pausing. No time to think, reflect, meditate nor contemplate. It’s moving at lightning speed. The younger crowd loves it. It’s just like Aaron’s golden calf. They were dancing, singing and having a great time when Moses came down that mountain with the Ten Commandments. That worship was violating the majority of those commands that Moses held in his hands. I doubt anyone asked, “Do we have to go?” What a blast. Yet, do we want to go in the direction of the golden calf. That didn’t turn out so well for Israel.

How does today’s church worship God in a practical, Biblical, passionate way? We can’t compete with light shows and fog machines. Our preachers realize that God isn’t on a stage, but rather, upon the throne. We know that worship is about God, not us. The carnal, make-me-feel-happy culture of today doesn’t get that. They’d rather change God than change themselves. Find a verse they don’t like, just ignore it and pretend it doesn’t exist. We know better than that. God focused has always been the center piece of our worship. Our songs praise Him, not glorify us. Our preaching is built around His word, not our happiness. Our prayers are about His will, not ours. What can be done?

First, passionate worship is found in hearts that are passionate about God. The mega church syndrome is built around the church, not God. The church is the center piece. Passionate worship comes from those who are passionate about God at home, at work and when with other believers. Artificial stimuli, such as loud music, lights and smoke, are very similar to the high school pep rally. It’s geared to fire you up and get you excited. It works, for the moment. It’s much like cotton candy. It looks amazing. It tastes great. But there’s nothing to it. And, it doesn’t last. The pep rally ends and the feeling ends. The cotton candy is put in your mouth and it dissolves. It doesn’t fill you, help you, nor give you any strength. Passionate worship begins with people who love the Lord. They are walking, talking, studying, praying about God all the time. They are glad to gather to worship. They see the value in worship. They look in their Bibles to learn, not just fact and new information, but to see God.

Second, we must strive to always do our best when worshipping God. Worship is our gift to God. Don’t give Him the leftovers. Don’t give Him a tired mind and a bored heart. What you do before you come into the church building can set the tone for how your worship will be. Those that lead, must work extra hard to do their best. They are not competing with others, but just themselves. Preach the best that you can preach today, Mr. Preacher. Lead those songs the best you can, Mr. Song Leader. Put thought into what you are praying about, Mr. Leader of Prayers. Gone are the days of just winging it. Get down to the church building early, the days you are to serve. Prepare yourself. Go over what you are to do. Put thought into it. Imagine those men carrying that ark of the covenant. What an honor it was. Imagine that High Priest going before God, representing the nation. What an honor. And, here you are. Are you dressed like you are going to change a tire on your car? Why? Are you just picking out the songs to lead as you walk up to the mic? Why? Are you pulling out old, dusty sermons, because you don’t want to do the work you are supposed to do? Why? Maybe it’s time for you to sit out and get yourself together. You are standing before the God of Heaven. You are leading the people of God. Give it your best. How dare you come with a tied, bored, sleepy spirit within you. Lift up your eyes and look into the Heavens. The Great God who has blessed us, heard us, and forgiven us, is who you stand before. We need to demand the best and be our best. Sloppy worship is not only embarrassing to visitors and members, but it’s shameful before God. Football teams prepare all week for the big game. Do we prepare for worship?

Third, how about the rest of us that are sitting in the pews? Are we giving God our best? We want the song leaders, the preacher and others to do their best, but we are fidgeting about, playing on our phones, day dreaming, sleepy, and offering God nothing. Worship isn’t a spectator sport. I was watching a college basketball game last night on TV. When bored, I flipped channels. We do that with our minds when we are not engaged, connected and trying. Sing robustly. Pray deeply. Lower the nets into the depth of God’s word. Thank God. Praise God. We need naps on Sunday afternoons, not because church was so sleepy and boring, but rather because of all the effort and energy we’ve poured into fellowship and praising. When a guy says, “I don’t get anything out of worship,” what he’s really saying is, “God doesn’t mean much to me.” When I watch my Purdue play basketball, I get involved. I talk to the TV. I coach from my chair. I yell at the players. I talk to the refs. I’m engaged. Love my Purdue. Love what they are doing this year. I went to a game recently. First time in decades that I saw a game at Mackey Arena. Sat four rows from the top. Even there, it was great. It was great because it was Purdue. Now, translate that to God. Love my God. Love what He has done. Love to think about Him. Love to read His word. Love to talk about Him. Love to sing to Him. Sleepy worship? Not for this guy. Bored? Never. The focus is upon the amazing God.

Stop trying to change the worship of God into a comedy club. Stop blaming the church for what may be a problem in your heart. Stop just offering God whatever we feel like. Make it the best, from beginning to end. Put thought, purpose and direction into worship. The tone set from leaders has a lot to do with this. The spirit from the song leader, through the preacher, found in the Lord’s Supper ought to be passionate, thankful and energetic. God is good to us.

Maybe it’s time for some to step it up. Maybe it’s time we took a look at our attitude towards worship and more so, towards God. Maybe it’s time we started giving God our best, no matter which side of the pulpit we are on.

O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus…more than a song, it’s simply the way it is!

It’s a challenge, but you can step up to it!

Roger