COVER YOUR EARS!

Forty kids, ages 2—5, packed The Learning Center classroom. It was 101° outside in the Baltimore summer sun and the International Mission’s Conference was in full swing.

It takes a huge effort to bring 1500 people from all over the world to one location. Lots of logistics and details to consider. And one of the more pressing details every year is: What do we do with the kids?

After years of planning for conferences and coordinating speakers, teen activities, little kids’ programs,  and so on, the staff at church had it down to a science.

And that’s where I come in. I had been performing a children’s program of stories, songs and skits for over 10 years. We danced,  jumped, sung, got loud, got quiet … it was 40 minutes of non-stop action and noise.  Since my show was geared towards 2-4 year-olds, I barely stopped to take a breath. With that age group, a lull is an invitation to chaos!

The kids’ programs for the conference consisted of The Balloon Man (balloons and bible stories), Scales and Tales from the local nature center, Bambini Face Painting, and Miss Terry and the Music, Movement & ‘Magination Show!

One particular year was very exciting for me. My grandson, Preston, was finally the right age to go to the kid’s program and I couldn’t wait for him to see his Mima in action!

So, the stage is set.  Forty pairs of eyes, some hopeful, some wary, look up at me. My backdrop and stuffed animal friends surround me, and I begin… a song – jumping and dancing. A story – repeat after me. A skit – loud crying, louder giggles.

Halfway through the show, I realize my grandson has a horrified look on his face and has slapped his hands over his ears. A few minutes later he jumps up and yells to the room, “Cover your ears!”

Now, if there’s one thing you learn as an entertainer, it’s “the show must go on,” and so I forge ahead. By the end of my little show, half the kids have covered their ears.

 Oh well! At the time, I was hurt and cried a little. Now, it’s one of my fondest memories.

It’s a cute story, but what of it?

Remembering how determined Preston was to keep the sound of my words from penetrating his heart and mind, made me think how easy it is to do the same thing with the Lord.

Of course, we are not slapping our hands over our ears and running away. We are adults, after all. We have much more sophisticated methods of avoiding God’s Word.

We lead busy, busy lives. We often engage in circular, mindless conversations that go nowhere. We are surround by a constant stream of entertainment; we carry TV shows, movies, sporting events, and novels in our pocket.

Tik Tok anyone?

It’s amazing what we will do to avoid that quiet time of me, God, and His Word. Laundry calls. Coffee demands a refill.  Phones ring …

How easy is it to get distracted in church. A baby cries. Someone coughs. A lady  digs through her purse for a tissue like she’s searching for gold.

It’s almost as if you can hear the demonic whisper, “Cover your ears!”

Don’t think on it. Don’t ponder. Don’t ask yourself questions. Don’t let it in!

I am very grateful to the pastor God gave me when I first got saved. His knowledge of the Word was extensive and deep. Occasionally he would pound the pulpit, challenging us with one of his favorite lines:  “Concentration on the Word of God when it is being preached is the highest form of worship! Pay attention!”

He taught us to pay attention when the Book was opened and listen to the preacher. Forget who was sitting next to me or what was happening in the row behind me. Whether it was in a church of a thousand or a bible study of ten, my focus was on the pulpit.  

Thank God for the old-fashioned pastors who open up the Word of God and don’t feel the need to be entertaining or glib. Who understand they are handling eternal thoughts and doctrines and treat them with humility and respect.

Thank God for them!

Years before Charles Spurgeon (known as The Prince of Preachers) died, he spoke of what he wanted people to say of him at his death.

This will happen very soon, and when you see my coffin carried to the silent grave, I should like every one of you, whether converted or not, to be constrained to say; “He did earnestly urge us, in plain and simple language, not to put off the consideration of eternal things. He did entreat us to look to Christ. Now he is gone, our blood is not at his door if we perish.” ( Spurgeon: A Biography.  Arnold A. Dallimore. Moody Press, 1984.)

Oh Lord …  that every preacher, evangelist and believer would press toward such a high calling, entreating those around us to ... Open your ears, and your minds and hearts to Christ’s Words of Life and secure your eternal destiny in heaven.

***If you are in need of prayer or counseling, or are looking for a church in your area, please go to: ggwo.org