Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending our church with only a few small responsibilities, as our Kentucky Baptist Convention Executive Director-Treasurer Dr. Todd Gray came to preach to our congregation. Dr. Gray preached a powerful message, which is available here, and I greatly enjoyed the time we got to spend with him.
It’s such a blessing to be able to attend the church where I am a member and simply worship and hear the Word preached. It’s not an opportunity I get very often, and while I enjoy worshipping together with my family when we are out of town on vacation, there is something truly special about us getting to worship together with our church family. It’s an opportunity I wish I had more often.
But truly the biggest blessing is the ability to be able to sit next to my wife throughout the service. In the past few months I’ve been able to do this as we sing in worship, and I’ve even had the privilege of holding our son on many of those Sunday’s (when he doesn’t need a nap in the nursery!). But to be able to hold the Bible open for my wife as the Word is preached, to have my arm around her as we listen attentively together to God’s message for us and for our church, and to hold hands in prayer as we ask God to work in our hearts and lives, is truly a special gift.
I say all that to say this: worshipping in the church with your family is a privilege. It is a gift from God. It is something that no man should ever take for granted and every man should strive to do every week. Brothers, sing loud. Keep your phone off and away from you. Bring your Bible. Listen attentively. Direct your children’s attention to the worship and to the Word. Put your arm around your wife and hold her hand as the church prays. Lead your family in the worship of our Holy, Triune God, expecting Him to give grace and to work in our midst as we meet to worship Him. God has given us a wonderful gift in worship, and exercising that gift will bless your life and your home.
May God bless you all and your families!
Chase Thompson 