“But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers.” (John 4:23 The Amplified Bible)
I have a tee-shirt that says, “I’m a writer. Watch what you do. I just might write about you.” The shirt don’t lie. What is the point of telling you about the shirt? Just keep reading and you will see how our message is connected with the title.
At the end of service Sunday, I went to the back of the church to interact with attendees as they exited. One little girl about two-years-old, a toddler who is noticed by most of our church members in attendance and even those tuning in virtually. She is noticed, not just because of her cute appearance, but because of her actions in worship service.
When I start playing my tambourine while singing with the choir, she quickly asks her grandmother to get her tambourine out of her bag and she plays along, in perfect beat too! When I say, “Praise the Lord,” her voice is raised to outdo most of the adult saints in the sanctuary. Even without being asked, “Can I get an “Amen,” she seemingly assents to parts of the sermon, expressing her agreement, I guess on her own initiative. Believe me, she can elevate her voice higher and louder than the ten leprous men who called on Jesus to have mercy in Luke’s gospel (Chapter 17).
As she was leaving the sanctuary, I bent over to give her a hug. That wasn’t enough. With outstretched arms, communicating in a non-verbal way, she wanted me to pick her up! So, I complied! Immediately she started trying to take off my tie. I think she was saying, “We come as you are at this church!” If so, she is correct, but the pulpit’s casual attire privilege ended the Sunday after Labor Day. It was the day we observe one of the ordinances of the church, the Lord’s Supper, so not only did I have on a tie, but I had on a pulpit robe, which she started to unzip. I guess she was reemphasizing her point without uttering a word, “We come as you are at this church!” It seems that casual has really sunk in as the thing to do in these times, regardless of age.
It’s okay. The point is that we are to be careful that we don’t let the casual dress psychology crossover into our spiritual approach to worship. We must still worship in spirit in truth. That’s a must. Instead of saying, “Be careful,” I imagine the Master would say, “Be on guard” or “Take heed.”
I was almost done in the paragraph above, but the Lord must have been saying, “Write on!” So, please keep reading for there is another vital area where we have to be careful not to get too casual, be sure not to get too relaxed. Even as you go through this day, keep in mind this additional point: We cannot get take a casual approach in our lifestyles. Be comfortable, but don’t get too casual. Yes, you are right, I am not talking about what you wear, but about staying clothed in righteousness. Give God your best and do it to the point that others see how the Lord has dressed your character, your conversation, and your commitment to living as a Christian ought.
Be on the lookout for me and my writer’s shirt. Be on guard! The shirt don’t lie. I might just end up writing something about you, such as I did with the toddler at the start of this meditation. I don’t have anything to worry about, do I? It would all be something good to write, right? That’s a relief, because as I just said, “The shirt don’t lie.” Have a fantastic Friday friend! Be blessed!
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King