Et·i·quette from the French étiquette, literally, ticket.
Meaning : the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.1
Manners are a good way of life.Whether it be around the dinner table, or maneuvering through tight traffic, good manners make everything go better.While we live in a day of casual attire, and relaxed expectations in terms of social behaviors, did you know that there are rules that still make things go better with God?Just a few of the rules that pertain to worship in God’s house are printed below.
·Language.No, we don’t mean English vs. Spanish.Jesus taught that on the Day of Judgment we will have to explain every careless word we uttered (Matt. 12:36). If that is true for our daily life, how much more do we want to exercise ourselves in speech that is not derogatory, suggestive, or crass, but rather speech that is kind, gracious, and builds up . . . just like God.
·Attitude.We all know that the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7), and it is no stretch to say that God loves cheerfulness in general. “Rejoice in the Lord always,” the apostle Paul writes from prison (Phil. 4:4). Showing gratefulness in our speech and actions shows God that we are His children.He recognizes us as resembling Himself in His joy.Entirely out of place would be the big, big no-no’s of grumbling and complaining (Num. 11, 14).Rather, the Lord loves those who encourage the church with a positive attitude (Acts 15:32, 1 Cor. 13).
·Clothing.Clean and modest are good guides to follow.We want to wear clothing that tells the Lord we are putting our best foot forward for Him.As one very poor, humble lady chuckled “There’s an excuse for being poor, but no excuse for being dirty.”In the same vein, women, and only women are permitted to wear hats in church; it is a sign of modesty.Gentlemen, on the other hand will always remove a hat before entering a building and always before coming before the Lord (see 1 Cor. 11:2—16 for real old world teaching in this regard).
·Conversation in the nave (where you sit). As a courtesy to other worshipers, conversation inside the church should always be in hushed tones.In this way we respect other worshipers who may be praying or preparing themselves for worship. So, too, by our quietness do we acknowledge the presence of God in His house.
·Movement in the sanctuary and choir (altar and music areas of the church front).God’s house is always God’s house regardless of the day or hour, and the altar should remind us of the sacrifice Jesus made for our redemption.Therefore, the front of the church should be treated with a special kind of reverence.Casual movement, unnecessary talking or laughter, inappropriate speech, or using the altar as a table or work bench would be offensive.How we choose to live in that space speaks volumes for how we regard God, and whether we truly believe He is present.
·Love for one another.This is the real ticket!By our love for one another everyone will know whose disciples we are (John 13:35).And, it is the one thing that covers a multitude of other faux pas.
