Preparing to Meet God

I grew up in a church that believed in heaven and hell. Amazingly, I heard more sermons on hell than heaven. My life as a young Christ-follower was one of fear, wondering if what I was doing displeased God. I was always taking my "spiritual pulse" hoping that I was prepared to meet God at the judgment.

I heard "prepare to meet God" quite often. Amos 4:12 But today I want to put a new "slant" on that phrase. (Hopefully, without damaging the original context. As I observe the modern church (people - not the building) I see that most people are not truly worshiping God and the thought came to me that most of us (me included) do not spend much time in preparation to meet (worship) God.

When I was dating my wife, I always prepared for our date; shower, shave, cologne, best clothes, etc. I wanted to be prepared to meet her. But the average church goer is too hurried to prepare to meet God and as result we come to church frustrated and in no frame of mind to worship. It usually takes the whole worship service to calm our spirits but by then it is time to go home.

Do you do anything to prepare to God? May I suggest a couple of things that might help:

1. Choose what clothes you (and your children) will wear to church. It is good idea to lay them out the night before.
2. Wake early enough not to be pressured by time. Often, it is a case of  "mind over mattress."
3. Pray. If you cannot pray at home at least have prayer in the car. My wife and I have the habit of praying together on our way to church. (But remember to watch and pray (While driving) Matthew 26:10
4. Limit your visiting when arriving at church. Give yourself time to get to your pew and get your mind ready for worship.

See you Sunday!