Ben Milstead

I’m a member of a large church.  To say the sound system is large as well would be an understatement.  It would make most rock bands jealous.  It’s one of the many things I love!  I love to feel what I am hearing both figuratively and literally.  But I know that the loud music isn’t for everyone and I used to worry that maybe it was too loud for some.

I hadn’t been a member of my church very long when one morning a couple in their early 70’s came in and sat down in front of us.  They had that “first timer’s” look about them and I immediately started worrying that the music was going to be too loud for their taste.  I had visions of them storming out of the church.  I prayed that the old man’s hearing aid would not blow up!  I was a nervous wreck as the countdown clock got closer to 00:00.  Then I saw something that was incredibly simple but spoke volumes to my heart.  They both reached in their pockets and took out ear plugs.  EAR PLUGS!  Praise God, they…. had… ear plugs!

What’s my point?  My point is this.  They could have moaned and groaned and complained.  They could have written letters to the church, bad mouthed the preacher, stormed out, etc.  They could have put their needs ahead of the other 2,500 people in the congregation.  Or they could just pop in some ear plugs and go on with their worship.   They didn’t come to church looking for a fight.

Growing up a Preacher’s kid, I’ve seen the worst of church members.  Heck, I’ve been the worst of church members at times.  I used to go to church expecting there to be a problem and sometimes creating one.  If you walk into your church looking for a fight instead of looking for God, you are going to find a fight rather than finding God.   Your attitude towards worship has to start before you ever pull in the parking lot.