The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
April 9, 2006
In
This Issue:
Respect
by
Steve Klein
Two
Men Attend Worship Services
by
Bill Hall
Respect
Mutual respect is necessary if human beings are to work well together, whether in organizations or personal relationships. The lack of mutual respect explains a lot about the current state of things in our nation, businesses, homes, and schools. It seems that our society has been in a downward spiral of more and more disrespect in recent decades. Attitudes are being expressed toward national leaders, teachers, husbands, wives, bosses and even the elderly that would not have been tolerated in our grandparents' day. As J. B. Priestly wrote, "There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age--I missed it coming and going." Nowadays, it seems that everyone feels free to ridicule and despise his fellowman.
The word respect is not found very frequently in most English translations of the New Testament. The Greek word which means to respect or esteem a fellow human being is most often translated honor. Notice that God demands that we respect or honor others in all of the following situations.
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Husbands are to respect wives. 1 Peter 3:7 - "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel&ldots;"
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Wives are to respect husbands. Ephesians 5:33 - "&ldots; let the wife see that she respects her husband."
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Children are to respect parents. Ephesians 6:2 - "Honor your father and mother."
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Church members are to respect elders. 1 Timothy 5:17 - "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine."
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Citizens are to respect rulers. 1 Peter 2:17 -- "&ldots;Honor the king." Romans 13:7 -- "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor."
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Christians are to respect widows. 1 Timothy 5:3 - "Honor widows who are really widows."
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Christians are to respect one another. Romans 12:10 - "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another
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Christians are to show respect to all people. 1 Peter 2:17 - "Honor all people".
What is involved in respecting another person? Isn't it more than just addressing them as "sir" or "ma'am"? Doesn't it also involve thoughtful consideration of the other persons' needs, wants and words? If I respect another person, won't I be as concerned with their interests as I am with my own? (Philippians 2:4) If I respect someone, doesn't it mean that I treat him the way I want to be treated? (Matthew 7:12) Doesn't respect demand that I refrain from scoffing at or ridiculing others? Do we really understand what respect demands of us day by day? If not, we need to find out and then diligently practice it. To paraphrase Aretha Franklin, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T -- find out what it means to God."
-- Steve Klein
Two men attend worship services. The first man attends wholly out of a sense of duty. He understands the teaching of Hebrews 10:25: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together&ldots;", and is determined to obey faithfully that teaching. He will not allow anything within his power to stand in the way of his attending the worship periods of the church.
The second man recognizes his duty in this matter, too, but his primary motivation in attendance is his love for the Lord and his joy in blending his voice and heart with other Christians in praise and adoration to the Lord. He delights in worship and the spiritual strength he derives through worship.
The first man is mentally passive throughout the worship service. If the words of the song happen to catch his attention, he observes and appreciates them; otherwise, he just sings along with little concern for what he is singing. If the sermon is interesting, he listens; otherwise, he just relaxes, and hopes the time won't drag too badly. He does meditate briefly concerning Christ's suffering and death as he partakes of the supper, for, somehow, the importance of the memorial feast has been impressed upon his mind.
The second man comes mentally prepared to worship. He pays close attention to the words of each song and makes the sentiment of the songs his own sentiment. In fact, he sometimes studies the words of frequently used songs so he will be sure he understands their meaning. Depth of meaning is of greater importance to him than a catchy tune or rhythmic beat. He listens to each phrase of the prayer that is led, and, if he can approve the petitions of the prayer, he unites with the one who leads with his "Amen." He discerns the Lord's body as he breaks bread, and he listens carefully to the sermon, volunteering his attention, hiding the word in his heart, that he might not sin against God (Psalm 119:11). If his mind wanders occasionally, he brings it back to worship. He worships with a consciousness of God as the object of his worship, the One toward whom these expressions of adoration are directed.
The first man reduces his service to a mere code of external rites, while the second man obeys "from the heart," combining the outward with the inward. The first man is more likely to be satisfied with his service to the Lord, for he has accepted the easier standard, but it is the second man who enjoys God's approval. "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).
We ask the reader: "In which of these two men do you see a reflection of yourself?" The need is obvious! We must cast off our laziness and indifference, revitalize our spirits, and bring ourselves to worship God acceptably. There is a considerable difference between mere attendance of a worship service and truly acceptable worship.
-- Bill Hall