Behavior in the House of God by Dora E. Henton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 16, 1914

Behavior in the House of God

By Dora E. Henton

DORA E. HENTON

It was a bright, peaceful Sabbath morning. In a valley beautiful for situation was a church. Over the door in letters of gold were the words, "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

As the bell pealed forth the invitation, a large company of people assembled for worship. When the hour came, the choir sang an inspiring hymn. The minister had spent much time in prayer, and had given much earnest thought to the sermon, and God had given him a message for the people. As he arose to deliver it, what a change came over the congregation! Whispering could be heard in different parts of the house, rustling of papers, shuffling of feet, clearing of throats, children and even grown people going out and in, doors creaking, and marked inattention to the speaker. The attention of those who would gladly have listened to the message was distracted; the minister looked distressed; and it was a scene from which angels veiled their faces.

Why do God's commandment keepers have so little reverence for his sanctuary? We do not witness such scenes as this even among those who lightly regard his Word. We expect soon to be associated with the Saviour and the holy angels. Unless we regard his worship with more reverence here, we will feel out of place in heaven.

To the church mentioned above, the instruction given by the servant of the Lord, was presented: "I am often pained as I enter the house where God is worshiped, to see the untidy dress of both men and women. They have no true idea of the order, the neatness, and the refined deportment that God requires of all who come into his presence to worship him. In the minds of many there are no more sacred thoughts connected with the house of God than with the most common place. Such do not realize that they are to meet with God and the holy angels. To the humble, believing soul, the house of God on earth is the gate of heaven. From the sacredness which was attached to the earthly sanctuary, Christians may learn how they should regard the place where the Lord meets with his people.

"The moral taste of the worshipers in God's holy sanctuary must be elevated, refined, sanctified. This matter has been sadly neglected. Its importance has been sadly overlooked, and as a result, disorder and irreverence have become prevalent, and God has been dishonored.

"When the leaders in the church, ministers and people, fathers and mothers, have not had elevated views of this matter, what can be expected of the inexperienced children? They are too often found in groups, away from their parents, who should have charge of them. Notwithstanding they are in the presence of God, and his eye is looking upon them, they are light and trifling, they whisper and laugh, are careless, irreverent, and inattentive. Sometimes young men and women have so little reverence for the house and worship of God that they keep up a continual communication with each other during the service. Could these see the angels of God looking upon them, and marking their doings, they would be filled with shame, with abhorrence of themselves. When the worshipers enter the place of meeting they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats. Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship either before or after the service. When the word is spoken, you should remember, brethren, that you are listening to the voice of God through his delegated servant.

"Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of the senses, so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard. God wants attentive hearers. It was while men slept that the enemy sowed tares. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worshipers. They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the house. It is too true that reverence in the house of God has become almost extinct. Sacred things and places are not discerned. The holy and exalted are not appreciated. What impressions do these things give to unbelievers, and to the youth, who are keen to discern and draw their own conclusions?

"Brethren, will you not devote a little thought to this subject, and notice how you conduct yourselves in the house of God, and what efforts you are making by precept and example to cultivate reverence in your children?"

As this message was given the people, the Spirit of God was present, and impressed hearts with the importance of it. In the week following, much earnest thought was given to it. Parents gathered their children about them and had heart-to-heart talks over it. Confessions were heard, and vows were made. Could you have visited that church later, you would have been led to exclaim, "What hath God wrought!"

The wants of the little ones were attended to in the intermission between Sabbath school and church. Children who had formed the habit of running out and in had sought the Lord earnestly for strength of character to overcome the habit. Older ones refrained, because they knew example was greater than precept. The young people who formerly whispered listened attentively and were made stronger by the message.

The choir set a good example by the reverent manner in which they took their seats. Some no longer hesitated to invite their outside friends to the services. They came, and their hearts were touched by the beauty of the truth and the power of the word, and they were converted. The minister was encouraged; the choir sang with new inspiration; and God and the angels rejoiced.