I admit it

This is pastor tim from Hazard First Baptist with Today’s Good News.

I admit it – I have fallen asleep in church. When I was a child, I would go with my grandpa to church and some of the best sleep I ever experienced was on a hard wood pew at the back of the church, waking up with drool running down my cheek at the end of the service.

Let’s ne honest we all have fallen asleep during church or during some business meeting at work. Nodded off while trying to keep the appearance of listening closely.

Dr David Dykes tells of his Uncle Earl who wore mirrored sunglasses in the choir every Sunday. He did not want people to think he was asleep during the sermon. 

No one told him when he fell asleep during the sermon; his head rocked back, and his mouth opened. He looked like a thirsty man trying to drink the rain.

I have seen more elbows thrown in church than in a roller derby. Most often, it is women elbowing their husbands who have been lulled to sleep by the sermon. Sometimes when the elbows are delivered, the men startle awake, look around, and then try to pretend like they were listening the whole time.

People ask me from time to time if it bothers me when people fall asleep in church. I used to say, “No, as long as they are awake for the offering,” but people started to think I was serious. 

I know for many people Sunday mornings are the only time in the week they are still. Sure, I wish people would stay awake while I preach, but I would rather have them sleep in church than be awake in sin. 

Some go through all of their lives not waking up to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote about such in Ephesians 5:14-16 saying “Awake, O sleeper,

    and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Are you awake to the glorious gospel? Don’t be foolish and sleep through an offer that can dramatically change your life.

This has been pastor tim with Today’s Good News.