You’re In My Seat

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. ~ Revelation 3:19 (NLT)

Have you ever met a child whose parents never did anything to discipline their poor behavior? If not, count yourself blessed! I’ve been witness to many kids over the years who have no concept of what is socially correct and what is not. I’ve also been around when kids (and adults) who thought they were entitled to anything they wanted blew a gasket because they didn’t get exactly what they asked for. Sadly, I’ve seen many professed Christians behave this same way – in church, online, or in person.

A prime example was at a church I was visiting. I got there early for the program so I could get a good seat. A few other people had also done the same, and we were generally sitting in the seats with the best view of where the presentation would occur. There was one couple sitting just behind me. It was pretty obvious they were visitors too. They were commenting on the comfort of the seats, the beauty of the stained-glass windows, and the overall warmth of the church. Unfortunately, their nice thoughts about the church were about to come crashing down. Another couple, who were obviously not visitors approached. They addressed the visitors as such, “You are sitting in our seats. Please move.” The visitors were caught off guard. They apologized and stated that they didn’t realize it was reserved seating for this event. The church members replied, “It’s not. But everyone knows these are our seats.” The visitors, confused, moved someplace else. I can assure you that they did not leave with a good impression of that particular church.

Entitlement comes from people who have never been disciplined, nor discipline themselves. It was clear the church members saw the church as their possession, rather than Jesus’s. Rather than welcoming the visitors into fellowship, they cast them out because they were beneath them. They were indifferent (they didn’t care) if the visitors stayed or went, so long as they got their seats.

We can’t afford to be indifferent. When it comes to our faith, we must be disciplined enough to put ourselves second. It’s not about our comfort. It’s about other’s salvation.