Playing Church?
It is possible that as children we had been taken to a worship service somewhere and during the following week, played church. Recently, Linda and I were talking about this, and she recalled how she and her siblings ‘played church’ on the stairs when they were much younger as one of the boys led singing, one ‘preached’, and the remainder of the kids made up the congregation. It is apparent that the parents were ‘so involved’ in the work of the church and God’s Word was in their lives, that their children ‘played church’ often.
While the ‘playing church’ of the youth shows what these young folk were exposed to, there is a much more serious ‘playing church’ that is happening today among many adults. How serious are we about service to God? How often do we consult His Word to see when, how, what frequency, and what elements are to be a part of our worship to Him to be acceptable to Him?
Many of the youth who “played church” in the past, did so by following what they heard and perceived as they “went to church”. I’m afraid there are many adults ‘playing church’ today without realizing the ramifications. This is not such a new thing as some would suspect given the relaxed attitude many have toward God and His Word today. Through the years, this attitude has been held by some and it was recognized by others.
This is why faithful brethren, upon realizing this, have endeavored to warn the masses of such a harmful attitude and action. In 1968, my wife’s father, O.D. Wilson, wrote a song regarding this. His hope, and the hope of all the faithful is that others stop “playing church” and get serious about their own souls and the work of the church laid out in the Word. Has it ever occurred to you that countless souls will enter eternity with false hope, not knowing that “playing church” throughout their lives has left them woefully unprepared to be with God for eternity? Some are the “hypocrites in the church”. They need to be warned and need to take heed.
Hypocrites In The Church
(1)
Just got home from church, hadn’t been for a while.
but I did have a wonderful time.
The members were friendly, each gave me a smile
and the preacher’s sermon was fine.
They spread the Lord’s Table, and graced it with prayer,
there’s no doubt the Savior was near.
Then I wondered why such a small crowd was there,
and these words rang out in my ears.
Refrain
Hypocrites in the church who just won’t live right,
God’s love is not in their hearts.
They care not that sinners are lost in the night,
they’re really just acting a part.
Recitation
Then I saw myself as others see me
and I prayed Oh Lord please forgive,
Help me to be faithful that others might see
Jesus Christ in the life that I live.
(2)
You may ask this question, I’m sure that you could,
Just why is the Lord’s church so small?
If all of us members would live true and good,
It wouldn’t be that way at all.
So brothers and sisters give your heart a search,
And by the Lord’s Spirit be led.
It’s the things that we do that speak for the church,
So don’t ever let it be said . . .
Refrain/Recitation
O.D. Wilson deceased
Several passages spring to mind as I write this. Matt. 6:33 is one. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Another is 2Cor. 6:17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,. Yet another is Heb. 10:24-25a. The faithful will be in the assembly physically, mentally and spiritually. To forsake the assembly and claim ‘faithfulness’ is hypocritical in spades. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:
Do we see ourselves as others see us? Do we want to? Do we simply “act a part” and “play church”? Is the “examine yourselves” of 2Cor. 13:5 only for others? When that self-examination is made, do we seek strength from God’s Holy Word? Do we pray for the “wisdom from above” (Jas. 1:5 & Jas. 3:17) as we seek that strength? Our time on earth is a spiritual life or death battle. If we “play church”, we are going to lose eternally. We need to get serious about our souls. Think about it!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
