BE PUNCTUAL AT CHURCH SERVICE (HABAKKUK 2:20)

Dear Members in Christ,                                                                                                                   

Be punctual at Church Service

“But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Habakkuk 2:20

The reminder to arrive punctually to the Lord’s Day Worship Service was made from the Pulpit on numerous occasions. Many heard, but not many, who habitually come late, seemed to heed the call. They remain habitually late! Sad but true!

There is also a fear, by some, that the habitual latecomers may take offence by the reminders made from the Pulpit. It may result in them not coming to the Church at all! However, the truth must be told.

It is good practice to arrive at the Church early before the actual Worship Service starts at 10:15 am. The mind and heart of a worshipper would have the time to be still and calm to prepare for the Worship Service. It is a great blessing to begin the Worship in a timely and orderly manner. God is pleased as we honour Him by being punctual.

On the other hand, when an individual rushes in, as he realises that he is late, his heart and mind would be filled with anxiety and worries. Often times, his heart would be pounding and his brow sweaty. How can he praise and sing to God with a peaceful and worshipping heart? He may have missed the singing, offerings and tithes to God. At the same time, he thought that he was on time for the Service. He erroneously believes that the Worship Service only begins with the preaching of the Lord’s message. This is definitely misplaced and a wrong understanding.

The Worship Service begins at 10:15 am with the singing of the “Lord is in His Holy Temple”. The Worship Service ends when the Congregation finally sings “The Lord bless Thee and Keep Thee”. Thus, do not leave the Sanctuary for home before the Service ends. Do not miss out on the blessings of the Lord.

There are also some habitual latecomers who believe that by coming to the Church Worship Service they are doing God and the Church a favour! Better to arrive, though late, rather than not at all. This is far from the truth. What misplaced thinking and belief. The latecomer has to examine himself and set himself right before God. Repent and walk right with God. Worship is an appointment. An appointment to be kept and the time to be honoured. If we are so conscious to be “ontime” in the secular world, we should also be conscious of keeping time for the appointment with God. For God is in His holy temple waiting for us to come on time for Worship. It is a shame and misplaced priority and understanding if we place man more important than God. Do re-examine your priority when God is so important in our lives.

The other question is that if everyone, including the preachers and leaders of ministries decide to be habitually late, how would the Church function? There will be confusion and chaos. What would the testimony and work of the Church be like? It would be a shame and dishonours God. The Church would not be able to function effectively for the glory of God. The name and honour of Christ would be shamed! The world would laugh! Satan would be ecstatic and celebrating with his demons that God’s people are in disarray and not united. If you are a visitor to the Church, you would also be alarmed and shamed at the way God is being dishonoured by His own people.

Thus, truly saved believers must be God-fearing and not self-centered when coming to worship. God must have the pre-eminence in our lives. God must come first before us. With this belief and attitude, punctuality to Church would not be a big issue. By the Holy Spirit’s leading, the worshipper will be able to overcome this unholy habit of being a latecomer. For “habitual lateness is sin”.

How early should I come? At least 15 minutes before the start of the service at 10:15 am. Come and prepare your mind and heart for the Service. Spend some quiet moments before the Lord in the beauty of His sanctuary. Pray for God’s work to be done for His glory on the Lord’s Day. Pray for the Preacher, Chairman of the Service and all who serve in the various ministries. Pray for all hearers of God’s Word that they may be blessed and strengthened in the faith. Pray for the salvation of the lost who may in the midst seek for God’s salvation.

How do I prepare myself for Worship Service: The preparation starts the night before the Lord’s Day. Prepare your attire (instead of taking much time in deciding what to wear on the day itself), gather the items that you want to bring along e.g. the Bible, tithes & offerings (instead of deciding and digging into your wallet when the offering bags come along), fill up your car petrol (if you have to) the night before. Sleep early and no late night in order to have an early and fresh morning for breakfast, prayer and with much time to arrive at the Church.

How to do it? Love God. Fear Him. Keep His commandments. Keep the Sabbath Day holy (to be punctual as well) to worship Him. He must have pre-eminence, and we must submit by setting our priority right. The Holy Spirit will help us to conquer the sinful flesh and put God first! Do not let Satan have victory over you. Satan will continue to encourage you to be late for God’s appointment on the Lord’s Day. Have victory over Satan. Remember: “habitual lateness is sin”.

Conclusion: God is in His Holy temple. Indeed, God is on His throne waiting for us on the Lord’s Day Worship Service. God expects the Service to commence punctually. God expects His people to be punctual. So, if you are a habitual latecomer, you will have to answer to Him. Will you not resolve to please God and be punctual in His service? If other brethren can be punctual, why can’t you?

O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Psalms 96:9

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng