A pastor was led to ask one of his members to bring her note during a sermon. This lady often writes while the pastor is preaching. Surprisingly, she was not writing down the sermon. She was busy making a list of what she’d buy at the market. She was distracted.
Friend, don’t be distracted by church activities (Luke 10:38-42). More important than coming to church is engaging God during church programs. You are not better than the person who did not attend church if you only come to church to mark attendance. Our appearance in Church must be before God. This is how we go from strength to strength (Psalms 84:7).
Beware of the deception of church activities. Don’t rate yourself by your presence in church. Rather, rate yourself by the true change and transformation that are taking place in your life (2 Corinthians 3:18). If you replace the essence of the kingdom with the activities of church, you are only doing religion. Religion will waste your time and life. True Christianity will transform your life (Romans 12:1-2).
It is amazing how we can stay awake watching a 2-hour movie, but cannot endure or enjoy an hour message in church (Acts 20:7-12). Some people sleep during sermon time. They might be awake during praises and other activities, but sermon time for them is sleeping time. Like Eutychus, don’t sit on the fence. When you are in church, be fully there (Acts 20:9).
The difference between Jesus and others at the baptism of John was His attitude and posture towards that service. He approached the baptism prayerfully (Luke 3:21). He desired God’s word. He wanted an impartation. He needed a commissioning. And he got it. It is what you are looking for that you will get (Luke 3:22).
The way you approach God matters. God is not a respecter of persons. He is a respecter of principles (Acts 10:34). If you engage the right principles, you will get the right results. The same service that left you the same way is the very service that changed someone’s life forever (Genesis 32:24-30). The difference is your posture and participation.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria