As a child my sister, a few of the neighborhood kids, and I would frequently gather in our back yard and we would play “Church”. One person would be the preacher, a few would be the Choir and one person would be the Usher etc. It was very amusing to see the one who played the pastor transformed into a passionate, animated vocal creature of exhortation and even more pleasing to see and hear were the ones who were being the Choir.
The Usher’s role wasn’t that demanding but their presence was felt as they stood smiling with their hands behind their back and their head held high looking all around as if they were just waiting to direct someone to a seat or for someone to ask for some tissue, a program or something.
Well, my friend, I sometimes wonder, as today’s Christian folks, are we still playing Church? Do we ever stop and think about the real reason why we should go to church in the first place. Well, let me say up front if any of the following reasons just happens to be on your list as to why you attend Church? You need to seriously, stop and rethink your actions.
For if your reason for going to church is to be a part of a social club, or you view it as a pick-up venue for dates or a gossip click, or a runway for a weekly fashion show and God only knows what else.
Beloved, Church should be first and foremost a place where we all should go to praise and worship God collectively as He commanded. As we continue to learn of Jesus and gain strength, encouragement and support from each other under a covering of a God ordained chosen shepherd as Jesus continues to light our path. Then we as the followers of Jesus, who is the light of the world will without effort be the light of our homes, community and the world.
We are living in some uncharted dark, evil days. We need to stay under the shadow of His divine protection and grace. The Church that stays true to their first love (Jesus) is where you need to be to learn more of Him and to make Him known. When this is the main agenda, no one is playing Church.
Amen! Selah!
Supporting Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 10: 31 KJV
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Supportive Poem:
Playing Church
by Margaret Cagle
My sisters and I played church
When I was just a little kid.
I look back, and I remember
All the funny things we did.
One of us did the preaching
As she tried to talk like a man.
One of us sang a special song
While holding a cardboard fan.
We started our business meeting.
“Is there any old business?” we asked.
Then we would argue just a little
About all the unfinished tasks.
“Let’s stop playing church!”
One Sunday the preacher said.
“Somebody must have told him,”
I thought as my face turned red.
My childhood days are gone.
I know what the preacher was saying.
When we just go through the motions,
It is like we’re just church-playing.
Christians, let’s not play church.
Let’s meet in the spirit of the Lord
As we all assemble in our church
And worship our God in one accord.
Scripture: Romans 10:9-10 KJV:
- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.
- For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
Brief prayer:
Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and was raised from the dead. I now repent of my sins and ask that you come into my life and save me, creating the vessel you desire for me to be in Jesus’s name, Amen!
Beloved, if you have just said the above prayer. I want to welcome you into the Family of God and send you some free material to help you in your faith walk, so please email me immediately at [email protected], to share your life-changing decision that will last for all eternity.