Heretofore, on this page, we have addressed some problems and concerns held by many brethren relative to trends or tendencies prevalent today among gospel preachers. We’ve noted that much of our preaching today fails to conform to the N. T. pattern, and is lacking in many of the characteristics of preaching done by our Lord and His apostles. We also noted that responsibility does not end with declaration, but standing firm for the truth is also enjoined upon God’s servants.

In this article, we would like to address the other side of the coin; the responsibility of the man in the pew. Is this no more than being present, sitting comfortably in the pew, listening with the ear, and then go on our merry way? Brethren, do we not need to discipline ourselves better than that? Yes, and there is a trend today among many to not hear the gospel of Christ; in that they wish to “turn it off” as soon as possible. This trend must be reversed, and the sooner the better.

Words express the thoughts of the heart. Now, what is being said? What subjects are being discussed among the members following the worship service? Are the conversations spiritual or secular in their nature? The congregation has just engaged in worship to God; offering to Him the reverential fear, respect and adoration that He deserves from us. If this has been done, should it not be carried over in the hearts of the worshippers after the service is concluded? Do we hunger and thirst after righteousness as we are told in one of the beatitudes of Matthew 5? The index of our hearts will determine the nature of our conversations after the service is concluded.

Someone (identity unknown) has written a book entitled, “Preaching In The Thought Of Alexander Campbell.” In a sermon contained in that book, Campbell made the following statement, “I am told that some members of this church are so worldly they are even discussing the weather on their way home.” Now, I know we would consider that an extreme position. However, I think it illustrates the point we’re trying to make in this article, and shows just how far we have gone, and how far we need to return in making the proper application of scripture to our lives.

I have lived in places where, at the conclusion of the worship service, it was most difficult to get members of the Lord’s church to even engage in conversations dealing with spiritual matters. At times, we would frequent one of the local restaurants following the Sunday evening services, and I would seek conversation about the Lord and His church (spiritual matters) without success, because they had other interests. I am afraid this condition exists in a number of congregations today. Don’t get me wrong; our social lives are important, bur our spiritual interests should far out weigh our social interests. God’s people in Old Testament times were characterized by closed minds, and were dull of hearing. (Heb. 2:1-2) Unfortunately, this same condition is prevalent among many of God’s people today.

The departure from God by His people in O. T. times was not in the worship of idols, nor in the sins of immorality. It began long before that when they decided not to hear the voice of the Lord. (Jer. 17:23; Prov. 1:24-33) If the worship of God is no longer exciting, and we have lost our enthusiasm for the cause of Christ, I am afraid we’re drifting, and maybe too far from the shore already. The cause of Christ is the greatest cause on this earth, and it deserves total commitment from every single one of its adherents. We do this by conforming to a simple, yet profound statement, “HEAR YE HIM.” (Matt. 17:5; Heb. 1:1-2) - Leslie Sloan