FEBRUARY 20, Colossians 3:1-3 

Going home from church,Tony and Susan told their parents about the missionary who had spoken in Sunday school. “He told us that the people he works with worship a false god,” said Todd. “ They run round and round the altar, and each time they complete a round, they would drop a piece of wood into a box. By the time they finish, they’re dead tired, but they think they’ve done a great service to their god.”“Isn’t that silly?”asked Susan.“I’m glad we know the true God and don’t do stuff like that! We worship Him when we go to church.” “Maybe we do, and maybe we don’t,” replied Dad.

“We don’t?” asked Tony. “ Then why do we go to church?” “We should worship Him,” said Dad, “but, well... take this morning, for instance. While the pastor was preaching, Tony, Jeffrey and you were writing notes to each other. Do you think that’s worshipping?” As Tony slowly shook his head, Dad added, “As for me, I’ll have to confess that at one point, I was thinking about a problem at work instead of concentrating on worshipping God and hearing His Word.”

“I’m sometimes guilty, too,” admitted Susan. “At Sunday school last week, I whispered to Laura during our prayer time. After class, Mrs. Lim talked to me about it. I was really embarrassed.” Susan looked at her parents. “Did she tell you?” Mother shook her head. “No... but I’m glad you realise that was wrong. And now I guess it’s my turn to confess,” she said. “Well, sometimes I catch myself thinking about something else while singing familiar songs.” Mother added, “Colossians chapter 3 verses 1 to 3 tells us to set our affections which means our minds on things above that are spiritual rather than things on this earth. This means we must not be distracted by things of this world especially when we are worshipping God.”

“We all could improve our worship, couldn’t we?” asked Dad. “Let’s make up our minds to consciously worship Him throughout the service.”

Thought: What’s going on in your mind when you’re worshipping in church or when the Sunday School teacher is talking?

Prayer: Heavenly Father I must confess that at times, my mind wanders when a song is sung, or when a prayer is said, or when a lesson is taught. Help me to sleep early Saturday night, so I can be alert during Sunday morning worship. Help me to also pay full attention to the hymns and songs and message. When I come on Sundays to worship, may I do it right. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.