A Word From Our Assistant Pastor

 

“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (NASB)

What is your view of worshipping together with the people of God? When you go to church, do you go to offer something to God, or to hear from God? I think that there has to be an element of both, but this verse cautions us to make sure that we are listening more than we are talking, because people who talk more than they listen are fools.

I think that one of the things that many Christians and non-Christians alike need to do is to correct their view of God. So often we as Christians come to God as if we are offering Him something that He needs as if there is anything that His creation could give back to Him that would benefit Him in some way. It is a sobering thought to remember that God does not need us. God chooses by his mercy and grace to use us and to allow us to participate in what He does, but if He had a need that would mean there was something lacking that we filled for Him, and that is not the God that I serve.

When you are in the presence of someone greater than you, there is a natural tendency toward silence. You do not speak unless you are given permission. Think about it. If you passed the President on the street, very few people would at that point express their political opinion to him, unless he asks for it. How much more so then with God? “Therefore, let your words be few.” Good advice for this and all other fools who tend to talk too much in the presence of a Holy God.

Serving Christ with you,

 

Pastor Sabin