After The Benediction

The Spirit was high, and moving mightily through the entire congregation. The choir showed out, as they marched swaying from side to side down the isles toward the choir stand. The song had the entire church on their feet, singing along, clapping their hands, and shouting out words of encouragement.

Then, as if the entire choir wasn't enough, Sister Mary sang her solo. She sang from somewhere deep in her spirit, as though it was her time in the presence of the Lord. It was as if no one else was present at all, just she and God, and she wanted to thank him like she never had before. The room was illuminated by the spirit and presence of God, and everyone began to give God praise.

After some semblance of order was restored, Pastor came to the podium to begin his sermon. But before he started to preach, he had to go back and get a little bit more of Sister Mary's song, which excited the house once again.

To say that he preached well would not be giving him true props, for he orated meticulously and performed with the excellence of a well-seasoned leading character in a block buster hit movie. With the house already excited, he tuned up and began his whoop, further whipping the entire congregation into a frenzy.

Soon services were over, the benediction had been given, and after the speedy good-byes, and the see you next weeks, people began to head out to their cars.

My concern is, "What we, as Christians, do "After The Benediction?

Where is our praise and honor of God outside of the church?

Where can you find a God fearing Christian on Tuesday evening?

Where is the love that we should show one to another, during the week, outside of the walls of the church?

When did holiness become delegated to a certain day and hour? We view holiness like we do fine china, as though it is something only to be brought out and displayed on special occasions.

When did Christianity become like a garment that we put on and take off at our convenience, or like chameleons, we simply adapt to our whatever our present environment is, as the old saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans."

Truth is, that far too many of us display our love and commitment to God only on Sunday, and live like the world the rest of the week. Far too many of us have learned the protocol, traditions, rituals, and semblances of worship, and we act out our part with excellence, on Sunday's, within the confines of the building.

We must take heed, that when it's all said and done, that the scenes of our lives, which were not pleasing to God, are not left lying on God's cutting room floor, because we did not maintain our holiness, "After The Benediction."

"I'm Just Saying"

#church #spirit #Christian #Preacher #notsubmitted #benediction