Front Row, Back Row or Somewhere In Between?

I had to sit on the back row today in church. It was a really different experience for me. No, I didn't have incontinence or anything like that but had to help my daughter with Children's Church so decided to sit near the back where I could exit easily when the children were dismissed.

I now know why I don't like sitting in the back. Here are my observations:

1. Too much going on - can't worship the Lord. There was so much going on in the back of the church that I could not stay focused on the worship service. I love to sing and it was hard to concentrate on that; which, in turn, made it difficult for me to really focus on the Lord.
2. Lots of noises back there - snoring, people talking, lots of coming and going and just general hub bub.
3. Because of my lack of concentration, it was much more tempting to become a spectator back there instead of a participant.

So, I got to thinking. You know, there are times in life when we don't have a choice about where we can sit. For example, if you buy a ticket for a charter bus or a train or plane you are given an assigned seat. Also, usually concerts and sports venues have pre-assigned seats.

Then there are other activities where one can choose where they want to sit; such as a movie theater and on a subway or city bus.

So, why do we sit where we sit in church? We tend to be creatures of habit and usually sit in the same location or close to it week in and week out. It made me really grateful that I can choose to sit where I desire to sit in church and I really love sitting in the front. I love being close to the front because although there is alot going on in the back, the good stuff is up front. My husband said last week at church there was an incredible anointing at the altar area and he said it was so thick you could actually feel it.

That's where I want to be -- right in the big middle of what God is doing!! Why don't you try it sometime?