Reverence for the House of God, February 21

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:30.OFC 63.1

God is high and holy; and to the humble, believing soul, His house on earth, the place where His people meet for worship, is as the gate of heaven. The song of praise, the words spoken by Christ's ministers, are God's appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier worship.OFC 63.2

When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats.... Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the service. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worshipers.OFC 63.3

If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls. They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the house. We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness, by not encouraging moments of reflection and prayer....OFC 63.4

Elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; help them to weave Jesus into their experience; teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God and to understand that when they enter the Lord's house it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: “God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and holiest motives.... This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people.” ...OFC 63.5

Parents should not only teach, but command, their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and reverence.OFC 63.6

Practice reverence until it becomes a part of yourself.^{21My Life Today, 286.}OFC 63.7