John had only been a Christian for a few years, but despite his newness in the faith, everyone at the business meeting that night was anxious to hear what he had to say.
The subject of improving the quality of the worship services came up for discussion, and when it was his turn to speak, he addressed the men with such confidence and enthusiasm that none could help but give him careful attention.
“I have a suggestion to present to the congregation which is guaranteed to dramatically improve our worship services,” he said, and then added, “but everyone must be willing to get behind it and help put it into effect.”
The men all agreed that, if it would really make our worship better, then surely the congregation would gladly support it. “What is it you have in mind, brother John?” asked one of the men. “Do you think we should get a sound system”? At that point several of the others spoke out, saying that a better amplifier and new speakers would greatly enhance the worship.
“No, that’s not what I was think of,” said John, Before he could continue another brother said, “You must be talking about the need for new songbooks.” A number of the men agreed that the old books were in bad shape. Someone else spoke up, “What really needs to be done is to knock out that back wall, expand the auditorium, and lower the ceiling.” This suggestion caused a wave of support to come across the room. Some said the church should take out a loan to make the improvements, others suggested a special collection could be taken, still others said that appeals could be made to other churches to raise the needed funds and the members could all help in the work.
After a few minutes John stood up and this time he was even more enthusiastic than before. “No, no that’s not what I have in mind. What I’m talking about will make our worship better than any of those things, and it is simpler and easier, and it won’t cost the church a single penny!”
Now everyone was really excited. Whatever John had in mind they were ready to do it. “This sounds too good to be true, brother. Tell us what is it you have in mind?”
All eyes were fixed on John. He looked at each one of them and with gleaming eyes and an earnest tone he carefully spoke. “Let’s have everyone sit in the center section of the auditorium, close to the front and close together. This will greatly improve our singing and every other aspect of our assembly.” Grinning innocently, he leaned back in his chair, and waited for what he thought would be overwhelming support.
The room, however, was as silent as a tomb. The tension was high as the men awkwardly looked around and peered at each other out of the corners of their eyes. For a moment it seemed like everyone would simultaneously break out into hysterical laughter.
After what seemed like an eternal silence, broken only once or twice by the sound of clearing throats, one of the older members, embarrassed for poor John for naively making such a ridiculous suggestion, finally spoke up.
“You’re a young man, John,” he said calmly, patronizing him, “We appreciate your enthusiasm, but as you grow you will learn that you just don’t ask brethren to do things like that.”
The meeting was quickly adjourned with a brief prayer, and long after everyone left the room John just sat there, bewildered.
Of course, just as the older brother said, John will understand one say. Yes, it is true that Christ demands we love each other so much we would give our lives for one another (1 John 3:16), and yes, it’s true He expects us to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to help His church (Matt. 6:33). And yes, He even expects us to endure torture and death, if need be, to be faithful to Him and bring glory to His name (Re. 2:10). But move up front? Sit together? You have got to be kidding! That is a sacrifice God would surely never require anyone to make. Oh sure, sitting up front together would dramatically improve the singing, it would help the preaching, and it would definitely make the worship a far more edifying experience.
But John will come to accept that some just do not care about what would be best for our worship, and no force in Heaven above or hell below will move them up front or to a pew with more than two or three other brethren. Yes, the day is coming when poor, naïve little John will see that moving up from the back of the auditorium is simply too great of a sacrifice for some to make!
Which are you John or the other people? Would you like the worship to be better or not? Why not move where it would make our singing better or is it just too much of a sacrifice to make? What will you do?
Love Keith
