If you’re familiar with this once popular refrain, then you know that the final word there is, ‘shout!’ Unfortunately church for some has become a place do this only. Of course there is nothing wrong with shouting to the Lord, or lifting up your voice in praise and honor to Him, of blessing His name for all He has done; these things are necessary and scripture encourages us to do so. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Psalm 47:1). I’m simply speaking of those who do nothing else but get caught up in emotional tailspins and outbursts which are ostentatious at best. Our flesh must not be given a chance to shine forth, else it will make a mockery of ourselves and quench the Spirit of God in one fell swoop.
Rather than bowing to the flesh and its sometimes rather gaudy displays of pseudo-spirituality, we should remember that there are those who have shown up to God’s house because they are fed up and are about to give up. We do better to keep in mind that there are those in our midst who are bound by sin and in some cases don’t know it or don’t care. As we enter His house , we should not forget that He himself called it a house of prayer. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Matthew 21:13).
What does going into God’s house make you want to do? Worshiping the Lord and lifting up my voice in praise is part of what I want to do. But I also want to be mindful of those around me who may be in need. If I get too caught up with myself, I may miss the opportunity to minister to someone else. Hebrews 6:10 says, For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Let’s ask the Lord to help us reassess our purposes as it pertains to our roles in the house of God. If you have a calling, walk in that calling. If you don’t know where you belong in the kingdom, start at home in church where God has placed you. Someone there may need you. A word, a prayer, a hug or an even an ear. Don’t allow your church time to be relegated to just your own personal ‘shoutin’ time.’ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10).
That’s the Word! Take it with you. God bless you.
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