Casual Worship

Your congenial editor does not actively go looking for quotes like the ones below, but by chance he discovered them in the 2007 Memphis School of Preaching lectureship book: Epistles to Corinth. The book contains 756 pages. The first citation concerns appropriate attire and the Lord's Supper. The second concerns one's clothing for worship in general. If anyone wants to write a response (either anonymously or signed), it shall receive attention.

The Corinthians did not make a distinction between the Lord's Supper and a common meal. Coming before the memorial feast with the right purpose and attitude is important. While traveling in the Western part of the United States, my wife and I attended a liberal congregation (we soon learned). When the communion was passed, it was passed to us by a "kid" wearing shorts, tank top, and flip-flops. In my humble judgment, this person had an irreverent spirit and attitude toward this great communion feast that recognizes the Lord's death (Larry Acuff, "Come Not Together for Condemnation," p. 294).

In our society, and even in some churches, the fear of the Lord has become obsolete. The reverence and respect for the Lord has been replaced with a casual, come-as-you-are attitude. Many attend worship and forget that the Almighty God is the audience. It is appalling, in some places, what goes on in worship. People have been seen passing photos, playing portable video games, sleeping, talking, and not participating in any acts of worship

Then, many come before the Lord dressed as though they were on their way to a picnic or sporting event. Our God should be shown more respect and reverence than that! Solomon warned the children of Israel, "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil" (Ecc. 5:1).

People need to approach the Lord prudently and maintain the proper fear and respect for Him. The fear of the Lord should promote changes for the better when it comes to worshiping the Lord. It becomes difficult to win souls for Christ when His own followers show no respect and reverence for Him (Kelvin A. Pugh, "The Ministry of Reconciliation," 472).

In addition to the previous quotes by preachers, the following one comes from the same book, and it reflects what some of the sisters think on the subject with respect to observing the Lord's Supper.

If there are other distractions that are consistently keeping me from partaking in a worthy manner, I need to speak to those involved. It may be irreverent behavior by other church members, or inappropriate dress of those serving the emblems. Whatever the case, those involved may not realize their behavior is affecting others. If the problem continues, the elders may have to address it (Denise Martin, "Instructions on Worship," 715).