4/4 Strength for Today

Proper Behavior in Church

1 Timothy 3:15
“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Behavior in church seems to be at an all-time low. When I was a boy, my parents taught me the importance of behaving in church. They not only told me how to act, but they also expected me to act right or suffer the consequences when I got home. This teaching that my parent instilled in me gave me a proper respect for church.

In the verse above, the Apostle Paul made the statement, “...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God...” All the way back to Paul's day, they apparently thought it was important to behave properly in church. If according to the Scriptures we are to pass down to each generation the truths of the Word of God, then we should be passing down what is proper behavior in church.

I believe that behavior of people attending church has declined on an annual basis for two reasons: first, because parents have not taught their children proper behavior, and secondly, because preachers have not demanded those in church to behave properly. Let me give you a few things that ought to be taught and heeded as proper behavior in church.

First, there should be no walking around after the church services start. Only in the case of an emergency or sickness should someone leave the auditorium. Restroom breaks should be taken care of before church starts and not after the services have begun. Teach your children to use the restroom before church. It worked very well with me!

Secondly, participate in all the activities of the services. In other words, when it's time to sing, then sing. When it's time to listen to the offertory, then don't be talking when the musician is playing. This is not only rude, but it is improper behavior. The offertory is as much a part of the service as the preaching time. When it's preaching time, then listen. Don't let your children sleep during this time; it is time to participate in the preaching by listening. Also, men should respond with “Amen's” when the preacher is preaching. This is all proper behavior.

Thirdly, it is proper behavior to put aside everything so God can speak to your heart. With the emergence of the cell phone, it amazes me how we allow that device to take our attention away during church services. My personal opinion is you ought to leave the cell phone at home. If you do bring your cell phone to church, then turn it off. Don't text or look at your phone during the church services.

Last of all, it is proper behavior to come dressed for church. Church is not a social club or golf outing; it is church. We ought to come to church dressed as if we are going to meet with God Himself. By the way, every time we go to church He is there.

Though these are just a few things we need to do in order to behave properly in church, be sure to work on these areas. How we behave in church highly influences visitors and children. If we want visitors to come back to our church, then behave properly. If we want our children to grow up with a respect for church, then let’s behave properly. Let's not give other things in life more respect than church. As we go to hear what God has for us each week, let's make church the most respected place.