Add Row 
Add 
An Open Letter to Adventist Clockwatchers
Dear Believers who Can't Resist the Clock,
Every Sabbath, amidst our warm pews and collective worship, there exists a ritual that is both comedic and exasperating—the sanctified clockwatching. Although you may think your shifting glances at the wall clock are subtle, they are as prominent as the sermon itself. It’s akin to a tennis match, where your focus alternates between the pastor and the clock, creating a silent tension that only we, the congregation, seem to acknowledge.
Here’s the honest truth: most of us are painfully aware of your not-so-silent countdown to the end of the sermon. Your furtive glances do little to hasten the preacher’s words; rather, they often have the opposite effect. Studies in Adventist physics reveal that for every sideways look at the clock, an additional fifteen minutes might mysteriously append themselves to the sermon—frustrating those of us anxiously awaiting potluck spread.
Embracing the Sacred Silence
While your efforts are commendable in theory, they might be time to reconsider your method. Forgetting the clock allows the sermon to flow without the weight of your judgment hanging over it. It’s a subtle call to allow the message to breathe, free from the constraints of time checks and quiet groans. And maybe, just maybe, when you drop your vision away from that relentless second hand, the sermon might just wrap sooner than you anticipate.
The Transformative Power of Community
Consider this your invitation to immerse yourself fully in the communal experience of worship. Each sermon is an offering of insights meant to nourish our spiritual walks. Interacting with the message connects us with the community and fortifies friendships that flourish in shared moments of praise.
Instead of clockwatching, engage with the service. Write down notes, draw connections between the sermon and your life, or simply meditate on the words being shared. It transforms not only how you perceive the sermon but enriches your entire Sabbath experience.
Laughter: The Best Medicine
And let’s not forget the power of laughter. This season where our faith periodically faces scrutiny calls for levity. The overarching theme of joy also radiates through our congregational services. Similar to a recent satirical piece in Adventist Today, which humorously critiques the obsession with sermon lengths, let’s take a moment to chuckle at our foibles within the church; they help us humanize our faith and ourselves.
A Call for Reflection
As we approach the end of this Sabbath, let’s emphasize the importance of being present. Reflect on what is truly being said from the pulpit rather than what the clock dictates. Adjust your internal expectations and foster a mindset that welcomes the Holy Spirit to teach and guide you, even if it means staying just a bit longer.
In closing, together let’s strive to replace that easy, clockwatching habit with the rich tapestry of worship and genuine engagement with our faith. For as individuals and as a body, we become more when we surrender the pressures of time for the sacredness of the moment.
Sincerely,
Everyone Else in the Pew
Write A Comment