How do you approach worship? Worship is a lifestyle, not just a weekly trip to church. But for the sake of discussion today, let's think about church services.

Ecclesiastes 5 warns "Be careful what you do when you enter the house of God. Some fools go there to offer sacrifices, even though they haven't sinned. But it's best just to listen when you go to worship." He goes on to exhort us not to talk too much.

Now, before I go on, let's remember that taking one or two verses and building a behavior model around it may or may not be a good idea, depending on the context of the book and the passage. Ecclesiastes is full of observations, not always positive. It also has many good reminders. But reminders alone don't help us behave in a godly way. If our heart is not in tune with the Savior, any external action is shallow at best.

As the writer mentions, some fools go to the house of God for the wrong reasons. His example shows us that even doing something that appears to be worshipful, when it is not true, is wrong. I don't think he means people never sin. I think he is referring to people going through motions without a heartfelt engagement in the process.

When you go to church, what is your primary reason for being there? If your friends weren't there, would you still go? Do you talk a lot while there, or take the time to listen, reflect and meditate on the Lord?

Worship styles vary greatly at churches, as do the environments and culture. My purpose isn't to suggest that quieter, traditional services are more worshipful than casual and interactive ones. But whatever style your church practices, where is your heart when you go? Are you ready to listen? Are you helping others listen? (For example, are you being quiet in the service?Meaning, are you yakking with your family or friends while people are trying to participate? Are you courteous to those you cross paths with or in the hustle and bustle to get to your friends, are you rude to others?)

Be careful what you do when you enter the house of God. Listen more. Talk less. Print This