Behavior In Worship Services

by Larry R. Ping II

Worship to God is VERY important. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). We must understand, and we must have our children understand the seriousness of worshipping God, and what the appropriate conduct is while in worship. Consider the following.

1) Worship Is Something We Owe To God. David wrote that we give the glory to God that is “due unto his name” (Psalm 29:2). Worship is not something we can decide to do or not. It is very much like paying a debt that we owe. There is no choice in either the fact that we worship or that we worship in spirit and in truth.

2) Worship Is Something That God Sees. We know that Christ said where two or three are gathered together, he is in “the midst” of them (Matthew 18:20). Solomon warned that the “eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). What does He see as we worship?

3) Worship Is Not The Time For Certain Things. During the worship services, one should never be found writing notes, clipping their nails, talking or the such like. Barring emergency and medical issues, the bathrooms and the water fountain need to be used before or after services.

4) Worship Is Something That Even Children Need To Eventually Understand. Corralling children is not an easy task, granted. But over time, they should be expected to be quiet and well behaved. After all, this is the parent’s charge (Ephesians 6:4). When acting up, the children need to know and feel why they should not act that way (Proverbs 13:24). Parents should make effective use of the cry room. It is only to be used to gain control of the child in a quieter environment. Children should not be let down to play in the cry room, or else the children will act up on purpose in order to go play. Let us all do our best to offer our best during worship services!