One of the basic concepts in computer technology is the fact that what you put in determines what you get out. When I was in college, the computer was given information through a series of cards that had holes punched in it. The computer read the cards and accordingly did what it was supposed to do. Today’s computers do the same thing, except now we have the luxury of using a keyboard or mouse to input information into the computer. But the fact remains, unless I type in or otherwise enter these words into my computer, the computer isn’t going to send them to the printer. I have an important role to play, I can’t just sit at my desk, look at my blank computer monitor, and expect a bulletin to come out of the printer.
Another place where this concept comes into play is in the area of worship. Two people can witness the same event. They can hear the same songs sung. They can see the same offering plate go by. They can listen to the same message and prayers. And yet they can have two totally different experiences—and it happens all the time. What makes the difference? Often it is our participation in worship. What we put in has a dramatic effect on what we get out.
Now it is true that there will always be other factors involved in our worship. For example, if there are people talking next to you or if you are juggling one or two preschoolers on your lap, that can make it difficult. But not withstanding these factors, one of the greatest factors in what we get out of worship will be your own preparation and participation in worship, in other words, what you put in to worship.
So how do we prepare and participate? We can prepare with prayer. Take a few moments before the service begins to ask the Lord to draw you to Himself, to speak to you through the service. Ask Him to reveal to you anything that hinders your relationship with Him. Spend some time offering yourself to the Lord in prayer.
Secondly, we need to participate. No one on the platform is putting on a show to watch. The people on the platform are there simply to lead so that we can all participate, together, in worship. Sing, pray, follow along with the Scripture reading, listen and try to apply the message; these are all ways we can participate so that when we leave this place, we will have not just spent an hour—we will have met with the Living God!
Another place where this concept comes into play is in the area of worship. Two people can witness the same event. They can hear the same songs sung. They can see the same offering plate go by. They can listen to the same message and prayers. And yet they can have two totally different experiences—and it happens all the time. What makes the difference? Often it is our participation in worship. What we put in has a dramatic effect on what we get out.
Now it is true that there will always be other factors involved in our worship. For example, if there are people talking next to you or if you are juggling one or two preschoolers on your lap, that can make it difficult. But not withstanding these factors, one of the greatest factors in what we get out of worship will be your own preparation and participation in worship, in other words, what you put in to worship.
So how do we prepare and participate? We can prepare with prayer. Take a few moments before the service begins to ask the Lord to draw you to Himself, to speak to you through the service. Ask Him to reveal to you anything that hinders your relationship with Him. Spend some time offering yourself to the Lord in prayer.
Secondly, we need to participate. No one on the platform is putting on a show to watch. The people on the platform are there simply to lead so that we can all participate, together, in worship. Sing, pray, follow along with the Scripture reading, listen and try to apply the message; these are all ways we can participate so that when we leave this place, we will have not just spent an hour—we will have met with the Living God!
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