How do We Value being in the Presence of God?

On Sunday morning we come to meet with our brothers and sisters in Christ, to join in communal worship, to remember the sacrifice of God’s only begotten son for us and to receive encouragement to remain steadfast unto the end.

We remember Moses ascending Mt. Sinai to commune with God. We recall the tabernacle in the wilderness and the many laws that reminded Israel of God’s ho­liness. It was an honor to be a priest and to come into the presence of the Lord. They approached with fear and trembling and reverence.

We approach boldly unto the throne of grace where we find mercy and grace to help in time of need. We know that in this we are both blessed and privileged. By grace we may serve God acceptably with all reverence and godly fear (Heb 12:28).

When I look around me on a Sunday morning I wonder if we have forgotten this. I wonder if in our bold and confident approach to the throne of grace, we have forgotten that we draw nigh to the Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all. “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb for ever” (Rev. 5:13).

How do we show the awe we feel? How do we honor and give glory to the God of all the universe, to our heavenly Father and to His son?

When we enter the Breaking of Bread service late, dragging ourselves away from our conversations or our snacks, do we honor God? When we enter sipping our cups of coffee or Jamba Juice, paying careful attention to not spill them, do we give God glory? When we pull our cell phones from our bags to catch a call or text, or quietly scroll through the web while the exhortation is being given or the emblems passed, do we honor God? When we are chatting or reading a book or working out a puzzle or knitting or occupying ourselves with the many diver­sions we have during the Memorial service, do we glorify God? When come to the ecclesia to share the bread and the wine in the presence of God, do we honor Him when we roll out of bed and throw on whatever clothes come handy, dressed to grill or play lawn games?

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9 RSV).