True worship, extended in the proper manner and spirit, will edify us and intensify the hope of

heaven. But when our worship is not taken seriously, our actions are meaningless and our

spirituality weakened.

Worshiping God is a serious matter which should not be taken lightly. When Christians assemble for worship, Jesus is with them in a special way.

(Matt. 18:20) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the

midst of them.

Therefore, whatever is done at worship services is done openly before Him and whatever hinders His people from worshiping Him affects Him (remember the teaching of Matthew 25:31-46, i.e., what is done to his brothers is done to Him).

Historically, as a people, we have sometimes had behavior problems at services. There is noise before services, and distractions during services (in and out of restrooms, note-passing, talking, etc.).

The Heart of the Problem

What is at the heart of these problems? Is it a lack of love? For some it is; especially some young people. Some youngsters (teens and pre-teens) are only at services because their parents make them come. But for most this is not the reason. Is it a lack of desire? I do not think so. Most of those who are present desire to please God or they would not be there. The cause of these problems is a lack of appreciation for the sanctity of worship.

Too many people possess an attitude that is just too casual for proper worship. Some approach

the worship services of the church with the same attitude they have in engaging in secular activities such as attending school, going to work or even hanging out with their friends. If problems with worship are going to be solved and people are ever going to worship properly, the attitudes with which they view worship must improve.

What Misbehavior at Worship Services Reveals

Misbehavior at services reveals a lack of respect for the speaker. The preacher or bible class

teacher deserves respect because of the Word he is teaching. When people act improperly during preaching or in a bible class, talking when the preacher or teacher is talking, interrupting in class, laughing and cutting up, etc., they have a disregard for both the messenger and the message. Too many, both young and old, view the speaker with the same attitude with which they view a secular teacher.

Misbehavior at services among the young also shows a lack of respect for parents. Young people, your parents have often suffered to give you life, to care for you when you could not care for yourself, to clothe you, feed you, and stand by you. How do you think it makes them feel to see you causing/hear you caused a disturbance during bible classes or preaching?

Consider Proverbs 15:5: "A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent."

Misbehavior at services also shows a lack of respect for those sitting nearby. It is hard to teach

and even harder to listen when there are distractions and disruptions all around you. All people,

young and old, need to be considerate of those around them. Also, they need to remember their

behavior impacts visitors. Visitors may be watching and judging the Lord's church by your actions.

Misbehavior at services shows a lack of maturity. All young people are anxious to grow up and

become adults. But when they, and those who are older, misbehave, they are acting like children.

Misbehavior at services demonstrates a lack of respect for God. It is one thing not to respect the preacher or teacher but it is another thing altogether to show disrespect to the all-mighty God of heaven. Ask yourself, are the things you do when misbehaving at services (talking, giggling, laughing, gazing about, punching each other, writing notes, playing with trading cards, interrupting, making rude remarks, etc.) worth losing your soul over? God takes it that seriously. We should have His same attitude.

Some Suggested Remedies

You must be doing the proper things while you are here if you are to benefit from them and

develop an interest and/or strength in spiritual things.

Realize where you are and who is there. When you are assembled with His people, you are in the temple of the living God (1 Cor. 3:16). Both the Father and the Son are present, so act

accordingly .

Follow the advice of 2 Corinthians 10:5 to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

Conclusion

Worship is a blessed privilege that should be guarded with love, zeal and a realization of its worth and value. None should ever be guilty of misbehaving or acting inappropriately during worship services or bible classes. All should act responsibly and properly before our God.