COME TO WORSHIP, NOT TO PLAY

When you go to a play ground you expect to play. When you go to church you should expect to worship. We are blessed to live in an age when we have plenty of time and money for recreation. It is good for our minds and our bodies. It is a mistake however to think of worship in terms of recreation and entertainment.

Many modern churches have evolved from centers for the worship of Jehovah into recreational centers with worship available for those who might possibly be interested. This has come about, in part, to attract attendees who are not particularly interested in worship and Bible study.

We see churches advertising their gyms, their ball teams, exercise classes and other recreational type programs. They are very proud of these things, even though no authority is found for them in Scripture. God expects his church to abide within the teaching of Christ, if she is to have his approval (II John 9).

Be assured that ball games and exercise programs are good and useful in their place. Christians can enjoy them along with their neighbors. Its is not however, the mission and business of the church to provide these activities.

When serving God, we should be happy to devote our time and energy to those activities that Christ has ordained for his church - preaching the gospel, worshiping God in spirit and in truth, educating and strengthening the members of the body, and caring for the needy are things God has charged us to do (Mark 16:15; Ephesians 4:12; James 1:27). God did not see fit to include recreation in his plan for his church. We should be satisfied to be and do what He expects of us.

As servants under the authority of Christ our Lord (Matthew 28:18), we must be content to do what he has outlined and authorized (Matthew 28:20).