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            This is an article I ran in this space last year. I have elected to use it again since the problem it addresses shows few signs of abating. Chances are the ones who need it most will not see this article. That is sad indeed. They shouldn’t need to see it. If they know right from wrong they should know this already.
            In 1898 the book Character Sketches was published containing the art work a Baptist preacher named George Lofton along with some of his sermons. In one sermon Mr. Lofton depicted the behavior of people during religious assemblies. I will not mention the title of his sermon lest some should take offense. He chastised what he called “asinine” behavior in the assembly. In a milder tone he called such people “church disturbers.” He portrayed people, in donkey caricatures, engaged in the following: Looking back over the pews, passing notes, scribbling in hymn books and defacing pews, “gabblers” laughing and talking back and forth, “a courting couple in sweet converse – ‘billing and cooing’ during the sermon, and cannot wait one hour for a better opportunity,” a “dude” and a “dudine” walking in late, people coming in and going out during services, the tobacco chewer leaving spots on pews and on the floor, and the timeless favorite of “pulling out your watch and snapping it, throwing back your head, and yawning in the face of the preacher and his audience.” The distractive behaviors of long ago make us smile. The distractive behaviors of today make us cringe.
            If George Lofton were alive today he would have to revise his portrayal to include the addictive behaviors of people with phones in hand. I’m not talking about those who are following the scriptures on their Bible App. I’m not talking about those who are tending to an emergency requiring immediate attention. These things are different even if the appearance is the same. I am talking about those who cannot leave their phone alone for one single hour. They have a problem, but don’t seem to know it. Worse than the distracted driver they are the distracted worshipper, if they are worshipping at all. They are warming the pew as the phone warms their hands, but their heart is in a galaxy far, far away.
            The announcement to turn off or silence our cell phones is routine. That does not, however, keep some from replacing their Bible with their phone. Do they even have a Bible? They are not disturbing anybody (except by their influence). Yet neither are they connected with the activities of the worship. If one is disconnected in worship they are tuning out the songs, prayers, teaching, preaching and praise they so much need!
            How serious is this problem of distracted worship? In a Facebook post last year Brad Harrub said, “Often, within just a few worship services, I can tell which children are likely to walk away from the faith. (And sadly I have been to many congregations multiple times over the years, and have seen my predictions hit the mark too many times.) They are present in the pew—but mentally checked out. Oftentimes their physical demeanor shows it years before they ‘leave.’”
            On July 10-12, as part of our VBS, brother Joe Wells will conduct a seminar called, “Connected: Parenting Faithfully in the Digital Age.” Please do not miss it! This seminar is for parents and for grandparents. If you think you don’t need this you do! The seminar will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday evening, July 10th. There will be another session on Saturday, July 11th at 9:30 am. It will conclude with combined classes in the auditorium on Sunday, July 12th at 9:30 am. Please take advantage of this opportunity!