Texting In Church

 

I will never be mistaken for the "Ministry Geek," though maybe I could pass for the Abacus Geek or Sundial Geek.  The next text message I send will be my first.  So, while they say that you fear what you do not know, you may be surprised to see me say that I think we should be texting during church services.  Far too many are failing to do so, and it is severely hurting the quality of the Bible classes and worship, not to mention the daily lives of individual Christians.

The texting I refer to is not done with a phone or ipad, but with a Bible.  When it comes to how to worship, far too many never consider, study, or apply the biblical texts that tell us how.  The end result is a vain attempt at worship based upon the foundation of feelings, preferences and personal desires, and the like.  Too many Bible classes, instead of digging deep into the text and seeing what it says, are sessions of "shared ignorance" where we launch off into speculations and obscurities.  A lot of sermons are fluff, current events, funny stories, pop psychology, motivational speeches, and feel good pep rallies, but a serious look at the text of scripture is bypassed and avoided.  The sacred text should be at the forefront, in the foreground, and foremost in our emphasis.  Instead, too often, it is forgotten, foregone, and forfeited.

Texting on phones or similar devices during worship and Bible class fundamentally impairs one's ability to connect with God and one's brothers and sisters there with you.  It is harmful to influence, easily a stumbling block for any who might incidentally see us doing it.  Though it may not indicate disinterest, distraction, and disconnection, it may well portray it.   Yet, when it comes to honoring the text of scripture, let us all be consumed with that.  Let us fill our hearts with it.  Let us properly apply it.  Let us share it freely.  With such things, God must surely be pleased.

Neal Pollard