Yackity Yack, Don't Talk Back

So....What about the sermon?  
 
 
         I recently read an article listing several things the church should reconsider.  Among many suggestions there was the elimination of the sermon.  It suggested people today need to process, discuss and learn through a Q and A session instead of through a lecture.  This brought up concerns within me.  The concerns aren’t that our culture learns this way, they do.  These times do need to take place in the church.  Should they replace the sermon?   
 
 
        The problem is we live in a talk back culture.  Think about it.  Everywhere we look people are talking back.  Children talk back to parents.  Students talk back to teachers.  Civilians talk back to police officers.  Just the other day I saw a lion cub talking back to its........
Ok, that didn’t happen.   
 
 
       Do you remember statements like, “Don’t talk back!” or “Don’t sass me!”  (I heard these VERY often, I even deserved them a time or two, when I took a break from being perfect).  Not every person from this era who made these statements were correct, nor good disciplinarians.  But there is something to be said for someone being able to listen and not thinking only of how to demand their rights.  Yes, there are times when one must stand up.  But it seems lately we have taken this to the extreme.   
 
 
     The next time you attend church, try this.  Make the message the most important part of your time.  This means that during the sermon you are on the edge of your seat, taking notes with Bible open (or Bible app).  Listen for how God may want to change you.  It might surprise you, and your pastor might be a little better preacher then what you have come to remember.    
 
 
          Perhaps God’s truth is waiting for you, maybe He is just waiting for you to be quiet and listen. 

 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  - James 1:19


- Wildman