Being Involved
by Rusty Miller
Have you ever watched small children during worship service? As a general rule, they fidget and squirm, they turn around to see what's going on behind them, they whisper and giggle and draw and do just about anything else they can get away with. All this, during the singing, the announcements and the preaching.
During the Lord's Supper, it is even worse. Because it is so quiet, and because there is virtually no activity "up front" to occupy their minds, the fidgeting increases to a point of distraction.
No, this is not an article about how children's behavior is so much worse than "when I was a kid." Kids will be kids, and most parents do a more than adequate job of controlling their children so as not to let them become a distraction to others. And, remembering those services when it seemed the entire period was spent taking one of the kids out for correction (either of the reasoning or the spanking variety, as required by the situation), I can sympathize with those who are now training small ones to "pay attention."
This article is about what takes place after the Lord's Supper, when those plates are passed for the collection. Now, we see a change of attitude with those youngsters. They sit up a little straighter. They watch carefully for the plate to come their way. They have their two quarters (or nickels, pennies, whatever) ready, sometimes rubbing them together. And when the plate does get there, they toss their money in with enthusiasm, then turn and smile at Mom or Dad, waiting for their approval of a job well done.
Why the difference? What is it that separates the activities which make them fidget from this activity which they love? Is it not that this is what involves them? We try to teach them that they might be involved in all facets of our worship to God, but in this instance, they can see it. When they are involved, they are excited and eager to "do their part."
What is the lesson for us? How much can we expect to get from a service if we are not involved? Just like the children, when we are involved, we are more excited about what we can do in service to God. On the other hand, if we, and more importantly, if our minds, are confined to our pew, we will find that the service lacks inspiration for us.
Those who wish to truly worship God and to receive anything back from their worship, will be involved in that worship. The scriptures deal with this issue in many ways (Prayer--Acts 3:1; Singing--Col. 3:16; Preaching--Acts 17:11; Giving--2 Cor. 9:7; Lord's Supper--1 Cor. 11:23-29).
The examples listed above are only a few of the many which could be cited. The point is that God wishes His children to involve themselves, to give of themselves in His worship. And like those little children with their two quarters, we are happiest and most edified when we are involved.