What changes are evident at the end of a typical Sunday morning? Does worship REALLY change us? Or does it simply inspire, get me something to think about, or give me a sense of being connected to some other people?

Reading in Ezekiel 46 this morning there is a strange instruction given (verse 9):

When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.

The Lord wants them (and us!) to go out in a different way than when we came in. Doing that certainly would not guarantee life change, but that simple decision to leave by a different way would prompt them to ask: Has this worship experience changed me in any way? Am I different than when I came in?

Life change is what God has in mind each time we meet to worship. Is that what you expect when you come to worship? It would be a simple step -- perhaps no one would notice except you -- but why not try it! Plan to leave by a different door than the one you by which you enter each Sunday. Then ask God: What about me is changed?

Where is the line between liking what someone has to say and actually listening? It seems generally true that we don't listen to those we don't like very much. But just because we like someone, doesn't necessarily mean we will listen either. By listen ... I guess I really mean do what they say.

In ministry, particularly Sunday morning, I spend a lot of time trying to make the message engaging, hoping that will be the first link in the chain. If people like what they hear they may actually listen to (or obey) what they hear.

My reading plan has me back in Ezekiel this week. Yesterday I read this verse at the end of chapter 33:

Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. (vs. 32)

I have sung in choirs but have never been told I have a particularly good voice. I played a trombone in high school but never particularly well. But I wonder if that is what people are really saying when they make a commment after a service like: Good message, Pastor.

I am really OK with engaging the audience ... perhaps on occasion even entertaining them. But the desire of my heart is that the Holy Spirit would speak through me so that real life change happens. I guess it boils down to a hope that you like me so that you will listen to me.

I was following a car the other day that was all over the road. Swerving from the right stripe, sliding back into the lane before crossing over the center line. It was scary! Instinctively, I slowed down and kept my distance. The rules of road would say to drive defensively -- it someone else is out of control, do what you can to not be involved yourself if they run off the road.

I started thinking about people I know whose lives are all over the road. They are on the verge of losing control, not doing a very good job of keeping it between the lines. What are the rules when that happens? Is it to drive defensively -- slow down and keep your distance? If someone is living carelessly at least do what you can to not get hurt yourself? Honestly, that is usually what I do.

Galatians 6 reminds us that when we see someone out of control we are to come along side them to help them -- or the expression the Bible uses is to bear each other's burdens. We do that with gentleness, knowing that without God's grace we would be just as likely to end up in a ditch.

Is there anyone you know who needs your help keeping it between the lines? Speed up and close the distance -- those are the rules of the road, God-style.