Reverence in the House of God

The Psalmist expressed his joy in attending the House of God in the following manner: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord". (Psalms 122:1). He also expressed his determination to attend, saying: "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life". (Psalms 27:4).

Psalms 122:1

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Psalms 27:4

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

It is the Christian's duty to maintain reverence in the house of God, so as not to diminish in any way the presence and glory of the Lord in the service.

1. Before the Service:

  • Arrive early at the church, to enjoy the precious moments of prayer and meditation before the service.
  • Sit as close as possible to the pulpit, to better enjoy the worship, and so that those who arrive late may sit in the back without distracting anyone's attention. (Ecclesiastes 5:1).
    Ecclesiastes 5:1

    Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

  • Do not arrive late; but if on some occasion, for some compelling reason, one arrives late, and it is the moment when the Word of God is being read or prayer is being offered, one should wait at the door until the reading or prayer is finished; then enter in a composed manner, without noise, for it is a holy place. (Exodus 3:5).
    Exodus 3:5

    And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

  • Do not bring dogs, for they are imprudent and distract attention.

2. During the Service:

  • During the service one should maintain an attentive and reverent attitude, taking part in divine worship and adoration, through the songs and all parts of the worship. If someone nearby does not have a Bible or hymnbook, they should be invited to share the Bible or hymnbook. During the preaching of the Word of God, the ear and the heart should be ready to receive the divine message, for faith cometh by hearing. (Romans 10:17).
    Romans 10:17

    So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  • Do not let the eyes wander everywhere, nor look back when someone enters, nor sit improperly in the seats, nor with arms resting on the back of the seat, nor chew gum.
  • It is a precious thing to bring children to church, and even more precious to teach them reverence in the House of God from the time they are very small. If they cry, it is always better to take them outside the temple until they calm down.

3. After the Service:

  • When the service ends, it is a very good practice to greet one another warmly, especially those who come for the first time and new converts. (Romans 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14) At the same time, care must be taken not to engage in unnecessary conversation, for that would profane the House of God.
    Romans 16:16

    Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

    1 Peter 5:14

    Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

  • While it is good to greet one another, it is also good to leave as soon as possible, to carry fresh in the spirit the encounter with God and His Word. (John 4:23; 2 Timothy 2:7).
    John 4:23

    But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

    2 Timothy 2:7

    Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Questions

1. How should the Christian's conduct be in the House of God, before, during, and after the service?