At the beginning of this year, we made some changes to our order of worship. One of the changes was that we discontinued our organ prelude and began playing some contemporary song videos, using the actual music videos from the original artists, and adding the words to the screen. We play these very quietly, so as not to interfere with those who want to visit, but hopefully loud enough for those who want to follow along.
One of the comments in my after church discussion was that only about five people really watch these videos. His point was that when we had the organ prelude, everybody listened. But truthfully, only about five people really paid attention. The rest chatted and visited, just as they do now.
The basic truth of the matter is that it really doesn't matter what we do during that time before service. A few are going to take advantage of whatever is available to quiet their hearts and prepare themselves for worship. Most are just going to visit with each other, catching up with all the activities of the week, talking about thing except the presence of the living God, which they will soon be experiencing - if their heart is right.
I wonder if that what Jesus meant when he said (in Matthew 7:13-14), "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Harsh, perhaps. But we need to make sure our worship is meaningful and that we are connecting with the Jesus who can save us!
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