If I am to be honest, this
question has never sat well with me. The reason is because the answer that is
usually given is the preaching of the Word [or, in other words, “the time of the pastor”]. And yes, I
agree that the Word of God is the most important thing to us in our lives, but that
is not the question that was originally posed. You see, the question that is
often asked is not “What is the most important thing in our lives?” but “What is the most important part of the service?”
Let me ask another question: Which
part of the service has the power to change lives? The answer that is usually
given is the preaching. Why? Because
that is when the Word of God is opened for all to hear.
Here’s My Question for You
But my ultimate question to you
is this: Why would any part of the Sunday
morning worship service ever NOT be completely focused on the Word of God?
We are not singing about unicorns
on a magical journey to Neverland. What we sing is the Word of God. When we
pray, we are not just chanting words that have no meaning. We are praying the
Word of God. Taking part in the Lord’s Supper is not just snack time for
adults. It is fellowship with the Word of God who has become flesh and has dwelt
among us (John 1:14).
So What?
Our singing is a form of preaching – the Word of God.
Our praying is a form of preaching – the Word of God.
Our communion is a form of preaching – the Word of
God.
Even public recognition for
faithful service, church discipline, and the time of announcements are all to
be active forms of preaching the Word of God into the lives of His people. So
yes, God’s Word is the most important thing in our lives, but every aspect of
the service is to be about God’s Word…not just the “pastor’s teaching time.”
Conclusion
Therefore, the Word of God has
the power to change lives at any point of the service – if indeed the Word of
God is central to your church. Thus, I am drawn to conclude that, if your church
exalts the Word of God, there is not one part that is more valuable than
another. It is not about the individual parts, but the overall thing. And God’s Word truly is the most important thing!
