I don't remember when, but sometime ago I realized that a lot of people show up late for church. At first I thought it was just my church, but then I talked with other pastors and they admitted that people show up late at their worship services too.
Realizing that other churches had regular late attenders, I let the issue go. I figured it was a cultural thing that needed to be accepted. Some people are just late.
A few months ago my opinion changed. Ten minutes before one of our services I noticed one of our seasoned saints who is always early for the worship service sitting by herself reading her Bible. So I went over to her and asked, "Why are you always on time for church?"
Her answer surprised me. She said, "The worship service is a time when I give God my best. If I'm not here on time, I can’t sing his praise. If I'm not here early, I can’t meet the guests that might not know God. It's my responsibility as a Christian to be here to give God my worship and serve people who come."
Is she fanatical? Is she over scrupulous? Is it that she's a part of that 'greatest generation' and does what is right because it's right? Maybe or maybe she's just right.
7 comments:
Pastor Jason:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and also for seeking our thoughts and concerns. This is cool!
I have to say that I agree with the sentiments of the saint whose comments you shared. Showing up early allows us the chance to fellowship with each other and to prepare ourselves to receive the spirit of worship.
I wonder how many people would show up late if they were able to attend a ceremony honoring a king of some foreign country?
Should we show up late when we are entering into the presence of the King of the Universe - the King of Kings? I think not.
May God continue to bless your obedience and ministry,
gaye pearl
Great point Jason! We are always on time if it is of importance to us... Our own wedding, a loved ones funeral, a sporting event, a fishing tournament, the shoppers who were early to the opening of the stores by 6 am. the day after Thanksgiving, and those that get up extra early to make sure they are up the right tree to hunt that perfect deer...
I can't say I "have to" go to church, I say I "Get to" go to church, and that means not missing a face or a song.
Just goes back to, "What would Jesus Do?" Even when they thought Jesus was late at the death of Lazarus, wasn't he still on time?
Hey--If GOD were to come back and show up at church today, I want to be on time and closet to the first row:)--Emily Carder
Jason,
thank you for starting this blog. I am sure that it will be a blessing to many!
I agree with the woman in your post. We should bring our very best to God. He has not witheld his grace, mercy or love from us. What right do we have to give the Creator of everything half-hearted worship? What could we possibly have to do that is more important than a meeting with the Lord God Almighty?
Another Question: When has He been late? NEVER! If He is always there, it is not possible for Him to be tardy. His actions and timing are perfect.
God bless you all!
In His hands,
Brandon
Jason,
I always love being a little early because of the wonderful feeling I get when I enter the house of God. I want to just sit there and enjoy this feeling for a little while.
I also like to talk to a few people and enjoy the smile I see on everyone's face. I love going to church and refilling my soul with the Holy Spirit. To do this I must not only give to God and listen to His word, but to also soak up as much of the love in the building that I can.
God Bless!
All of the comments seem to be from people who are most likely always on time. I thought it might be good to hear from the "other side".
Let's be careful not to judge the heart behind the late person. My motive is never to be rude or disrespectful. I love the Lord with all my heart and I care deeply about other people, as well as passionately about worship. We all have areas of weakness, this is a weak area in my life that takes constant work and encouragement, so pray for us "late-ies"!
Not being a wise steward of my time is a poor choice on my part, due usually to my desire to do everything for everyone else. (And yes, my wedding was late, I carried our children 2 weeks late, and I have every intention of being late for my own funeral!!)
I asked my husband a few years ago what would be the one thing he would change about me if he could? (A wide open invitation to truth that I would not suggest to everyone) and his answer was... I wish you'd stop being late for everything.... I'm not there yet, but I'm making progress!
I have to laugh at God's sence of humor. I'm teaching a Bible Study class now and of course that requires that I be on time. Do you know that not one of those women show up on time? I remember grumping in my spirit about it one Tues. morning as it was getting later and I heard the Holy Spirit in my soul saying "Now you know how it feels." I'm learning how to be on time, but learning patience at the same time. God is good! We are all constantly suppossed to be learning and growing in our walk with Him!!
If I may make some practical suggestions, Dad's (especially of young families) let me suggest that you help in getting everyone ready on Sun. mornings. Mom's learn from my many mistakes and do everything possible on Sat. night so you're prepared for Sun. morning. Get yourself ready before you get the kids ready. And, oh yeah, Pop-Tarts and OJ for breakfast once a week won't kill anybody (My kids are living proof!)
Thanks! Sally
I loved this one, and especially the comment from the "late mom". We manage, with 3 children, to attend the 8:00 service. I am a stickler about being on time and early for everything. Unfortunately, God found it amusing to have me marry someone who enjoys sleeping late. I get up at 5:00 am every morning, because I want to, I enjoy that quiet time. My husband sleeps until the last possible minute. I have to agree with "late mom" about getting ready as much as possible the night before and pop tarts and OJ for breakfast if you have to. It would help if Dad would get up and help get the kids ready, but they are old enough now to be ready long before Dad wakes up. We have started a new tradition of this being my time with the children. Everyone but Dad gets up early and we enjoy tea and scones and talking about our week and church. Dad finally gets up and we always make it "on time" to the 8:15 service, as he lovingly refers to it. I get annoyed sometimes about being late, because I agree with the original idea of giving God your best. But I try to remember that God probably enjoys seeing us all there together as a family at 8:15 more than he would enjoy seeing just me and the children there on time.
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