Aggravation From The Congregation

People cannot change the truth but the truth can change people

By Yvonne Sam
Contributing Columnist

Now that COVID-19 has forced us all to worship in a different style and aisle, it is time to

take a careful look at behaviours  that run contrary to the Good Book, and leave  the church in a lurch. No need to shoot the messenger, except to remember that it is clearly stated, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32). And, it shall always remain the truth, regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief or ignorance.

Control
There are some folks, who cannot control their kids. This may be a tough one. If you know that lil’ Latrelle is about to tear up children’s church, do not subject the poor innocent Sunday school teacher to his rampage. Let him sit beside you, and softly whisper in his ear, what would be his fate, if he does not start acting straight. Then pray and ask God’s forgiveness if necessary. How in the world can others concentrate on hearing the “Word”, when your child is running up and HANDLE UP!!

Garment – No harm meant
Render your heart not your garment. This is intended for people, who take come-as-you-are to a whole new level. I can understand if you are facing crisis. But if you have a fresh pair of Nike’s on and a T-shirt, then you can invest in some better dress clothes, and take your nose rings and earrings out. Since when did it become acceptable for men to wear hats in church and wear pants that display their “mankle”( sockless ankle). GET IT TOGETHER.

Seating and Eating
For people who bring food to church. If you brought your little one a snack, but you are also going in the pack, eating some of his cookies and crackers…. dropping crumbs everywhere — that is a problem. Take those Cheezits, Oreo, and little Raekwon outside to complete the deal and finish his meal. Remember it is God’s House, not yours.

Empathize not criticize
For people, who come to special church functions and criticize. If you stand in a corner gossiping with those of similar ilk, about how you could have done a better job at something, and you have not volunteered to assist with anything, neither have you showed up to any invitations to join a ministry, I am forced to ask you to HOLD YOUR PIECE! In other words, SHUT UP!

Fashion vs Action
Parents who dress better than their kids: mom, if you come in, looking like an Ebony fashion model and little Shanaynay is alongside you looking like a poster child for ‘Feed the Children’, you are DEAD WRONG! Give your child a “Just For Me”, and dress her to look as good, or better than you. Please do not come out looking like a million dollars, while your child looks homeless, YOU KNOW YOU’RE WRONG!

Shouting and Mouthing

People who constantly shout something to the pastor all during the message. No need for a commentator after every sentence. Everyone knows you know the Bible. Remember the pastor is speaking to everyone, not you in particular, or is he?

BE SILENT so everyone else can hear the Scripture and get the picture.

Showing how often you’re going
For people who constantly go to the bathroom: Nobody uses the bathroom four times during service and, if there is an urgency or emergency, I suggest sitting at the end of the aisle. People are tired of you knocking off their hats and wigs as you go by.

Straight Hate
For people who, obviously, show they do not like you. If you do not care for a person for whatever reason, at least put up a decent front and ACT like you have some Christian love! When you come to church, you should look past people’s shortcomings. Do not cut somebody up with your evil faces and smart remarks. Those same faults you see in others may be found in you. CUT IT OUT!

According to Sir Winston Churchill, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. Ignorance may deride it. But in the end there it is.”

Now may the church say “AMEN”.

Yvonne Sam, a retired Head Nurse and Secondary School Teacher, is the Chair of the Rights and Freedom Committee at the Black Community Resource Centre. A regular columnist for over two decades with the Montreal Community Contact, her insightful and incursive articles on topics ranging from politics, human rights and immigration, to education and parenting have also appeared in the Huffington Post, Montreal Gazette, XPressbogg and Guyanese OnLine. She is also the recipient of the Governor General of Canada Caring Canadian Citizen Award.