Playing Church

Playing Church

I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!

Revelation 2:4

When I was little we used to play church. We would get chairs into rows, fight over who would be preacher, vigorously lead the hymn singing, and generally have a great time.

The aggressive kids naturally wanted to be up front, directing or preaching. The quieter ones were content to sit and be entertained by the upfronters.

Occasionally we would become mesmerized by a true sensationalistic crowd swayer, such as the girl who said, “Boo! I’m the Holy Ghost!” But in general, if the upfronters were pretty good, they could hold their audience quite a while. If they weren’t so good, eventually the kids would drift off to play something else, such as jump rope or jacks.

Now that generation has grown up, but most of them have not changed too much. Every Sunday they still play church. They line up in rows for the entertainment. If it’s pretty good, their church may grow. If it’s not too hot, eventually they will drift off to play something else, such as yachting or wife swapping.

—Anne Ortlund

Anne is right. Many people today just play church, and it’s truly sad because they really don’t know what they are missing.

A minister I know used to say, “Wherever you are when it’s time for church, you will be worshiping your god.” If you are at home asleep, then sleep is your god. If you are on the golf course, then golf is your god. If you are working, then work is your god. Or if you are in the assembly of the saints and your heart is truly engaged in worship, then God really is your God.

Aren’t you happy that God was not playing when he offered us his grace?

Forgive me, Lord, for the times I fail to put you first in my life. I repent of my neglect and pray that you will draw me ever closer to you. Amen.