Introduction: Church Is Not Just a Place—It’s a Meeting with God
Sunday service is not just a weekly routine or a religious obligation. It is a sacred appointment—a time when God’s people gather to worship, hear from His Word, and encourage one another. But the attitude we bring into the service shapes what we experience. Just like tuning a radio to the right frequency helps you hear clearly, a heart tuned to God helps us receive what He is speaking.
Let’s explore the attitudes we should bring and why they matter so deeply.
1. A Heart of Reverence
“Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
— Hebrews 12:28-29
Reverence means recognizing who God is—holy, sovereign, and worthy. It's easy to grow too familiar with the routine of church and forget that we are entering the presence of the Almighty, the Creator of the universe who holds our lives in His hands. This understanding calls us to approach worship with a sense of awe and respect, reminding us of the gravity and significance of what we are engaging in. Reverence is reflected in our posture, our tone, our attentiveness, and our mindset; it invites us to set aside distractions and come before God with open hearts, ready to receive His word and guidance. We must cultivate an environment where both our physical stance and spiritual disposition align with the holiness of God, allowing His presence to transform us deeply and meaningfully.
What it looks like:
- Arriving on time as a sign of honor.
- Not being casual or distracted during worship or the sermon, as maintaining focus and reverence is essential for a meaningful spiritual experience and allows for better connection with the message being conveyed.
- Avoiding a consumer mentality—”what can I get?”—and instead asking, “How can I honor God today?” This shift in perspective encourages us to focus on our actions and the impact they have on others, prompting a deeper sense of purpose and connection with our faith and community.
Why it matters:
Reverence prepares our hearts to encounter God, creating a sacred space where we can genuinely meet Him. When we take Him seriously, recognizing His majesty and holiness, He in turn takes us seriously, honoring our efforts to seek Him with sincerity and humility. This profound attitude of reverence invites the presence of God in a tangible way, allowing us to experience His love, grace, and guidance in our daily lives. It is through this deep respect and awe that we cultivate a stronger relationship with the Divine, fostering a sense of peace and purpose that transcends our circumstances and empowers us to live out our faith more fully.
2. An Expectant Spirit
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
— Matthew 5:6
Expectation is the soil where faith grows. When we come believing that God will speak to us—through the songs, the Word, and the fellowship—we open ourselves up to hear Him more clearly. This anticipation fuels our spiritual journey, creating a fertile environment for His presence to manifest in our lives. As we gather in worship, the collective energy of our faith can amplify our receptivity, inviting deeper connections not only with God but also with one another. It is in this atmosphere of genuine expectation that miracles can unfold, transforming our hearts and minds, and igniting a renewed passion within us to follow His guidance each day.
What it looks like:
- Coming to church prayerfully, asking God to speak to our hearts and guide our thoughts as we gather in faith and community.
- Listening actively during the sermon, engaging with the message, and reflecting on its meaning rather than simply absorbing the words passively.
- Watching for how God might answer prayers, give insight, or prompt action, especially during challenging times when guidance is most needed, remaining open to the subtle signs and messages that may come through unexpected means.
Why it matters:
God often meets us at the level of our hunger. A spiritually full person may receive little, but one who comes hungry will never leave empty. When we approach with an earnest desire for growth and connection, our hearts are opened to the profound truths that God wishes to reveal. Expectation builds faith, and faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6). This divine interaction invites us to cultivate a deeper sense of longing, where our daily prayers and reflections become nourished by the very essence of His love and grace. In recognizing our need, we create a pathway for God’s blessings to flow abundantly into our lives, enriching our spiritual journey and inspiring us to seek more fervently.
God often meets us at the level of our hunger.
3. A Teachable Mind
“Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
— James 1:21
A teachable spirit means we come willing to learn, be corrected, and grow. Pride closes the heart, fostering an environment of resistance and defensiveness, but humility opens it wide, allowing for genuine connections and understanding. God often uses the Sunday message to speak into our blind spots, shining a light on areas of our lives that need attention and transformation. To fully benefit from these insights, we need an open heart, receptive and eager to absorb wisdom and encouragement. By cultivating a posture of learning, we not only deepen our faith but also become better equipped to serve others, creating a ripple effect of growth within our communities. In this way, each sermon can become a powerful catalyst for change, urging us to reflect, adapt, and ultimately thrive in our spiritual walks.
What it looks like:
- Not thinking “I already know this,” but instead asking, “What more can I learn that I haven’t explored yet?”
- Taking thorough notes during sermon, meditating deeply on the message conveyed, and actively applying the insights gained to your life for personal growth and understanding.
- Being willing to repent, change, or act on what was preached, demonstrating a genuine commitment to personal growth, moral integrity, and the application of learned principles in everyday life.
Why it matters:
Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). Not everyone who hears truly listens; many allow distractions and preconceived notions to hinder their understanding. When we posture ourselves to learn, we position ourselves to grow, fostering an environment where wisdom can take root and flourish.
4. A Thankful Heart
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
— Psalm 100:4
Thanksgiving is the doorway into God’s presence, a sacred act that opens our hearts to the divine. When we express gratitude, we shift the focus off our problems and onto His unwavering faithfulness, reminding ourselves of the multitude of blessings we often take for granted. It’s hard to worship and worry at the same time—thanksgiving realigns our hearts and grounds us in peace, creating a spiritual atmosphere where our burdens feel lighter. In moments of true gratitude, we find that our perspective changes; we begin to see life’s challenges through the lens of hope and grace, allowing us to embrace joy even in trials. As we cultivate this attitude of thankfulness, we not only acknowledge God’s goodness but also invite deeper connection and trust in His perfect plan for our lives.
What it looks like:
- Praising God in song with joy and sincerity, lifting our voices in harmony to celebrate His love and grace, while inviting others to join in this joyful expression of faith.
- Thanking Him in prayer for His goodness before asking for anything.
- Celebrating testimonies and answered prayers in the church community.
Why it matters:
A thankful heart doesn’t come to criticize or compare—it comes to glorify God, acknowledging His boundless grace and mercy that shape our lives. In moments of reflection, we can truly appreciate the countless blessings surrounding us, from the beauty of nature to the kindness of others. This attitude of thankfulness invites peace and serenity into our daily existence. And as we cultivate this spirit of gratitude, we find that God is enthroned on the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3), reminding us that our worship and appreciation serve to elevate our connection with the divine. Embracing gratitude, therefore, enriches not only our hearts but also uplifts the spirit of the community around us, as we share in the joy of recognizing the goodness in every situation.
Thanksgiving is the doorway into God’s presence,
5. A Heart Ready to Give, Not Just Receive
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
We come with an attitude not only to receive blessings from God, but also to give Him praise, thanksgiving, our hearts, and even our giving. It is a profound realization that our relationship with the divine is a two-way street; while we seek His grace and guidance, we must also acknowledge His presence through our actions and words. By lifting our voices in worship, expressing gratitude for the countless gifts we have been bestowed, and pouring out our hearts in sincerity, we cultivate a deeper connection. Moreover, our generosity, whether through giving, helping others, or sharing our blessings, reflects our commitment to living out our faith. Embracing this holistic approach enriches not only our spiritual journey but also the lives of those around us.
What it looks like:
- Actively involve in the praise and worship, ensuring that your participation enhances the spiritual atmosphere and encourages others to engage with sincerity and enthusiasm.
- Volunteering to serve the community, even in small and meaningful ways, can make a significant difference in the lives of others and foster a spirit of goodwill.
- Giving generously as an act of worship is a profound expression of faith that not only benefits those in need, but also deepens one’s spiritual connection and commitment to the principles of compassion and altruism.
Why it matters:
When we come not only to receive but also to give, we become active participants in the Sunday Service, instead of just spectators. This shift in mindset transforms our experience, allowing us to engage deeply with the community around us. By contributing our thoughts, prayers, and support, we help create a rich atmosphere of mutual encouragement and spiritual growth. Rather than merely observing what unfolds, we embrace our role in nurturing the collective worship experience, fostering a sense of belonging and connection with others who share our faith. This active involvement can lead to greater personal fulfillment, as we open ourselves to the shared journey of faith, love, and service.
Why All This Matters: The Attitude Determines the Outcome
Two people can sit through the same service, and yet their experiences can be worlds apart. One is changed, refreshed, and inspired, leaving the venue feeling uplifted and eager to embrace the lessons learned. The other is bored, distracted, and unchanged, barely absorbing the message delivered. The difference is not in the sermon, the worship, or the preacher—it’s in the attitude of the heart. This internal disposition acts as a lens through which the service is perceived, influencing how one interprets the words spoken and the melodies sung. When we approach such gatherings with an open mind and a willing spirit, we create fertile ground for transformation and growth. Conversely, a closed-off heart may overshadow even the most profound insights, leaving one feeling indifferent and unmoved despite being surrounded by a community of faith. Such a contrast highlights the power of personal engagement and the readiness to receive what may resonate deeply within.
Two people can sit through the same service, and yet their experiences can be worlds apart. The difference is not in the sermon, the worship, or the preacher—it’s in the attitude of the heart.
Like the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1–20), the same seed falls, but it only grows in good soil. Your attitude is the soil. If it’s hard, shallow, or full of weeds, nothing will grow. But if it’s soft, open, and ready—your life will bear fruit.
Final Encouragement
Ask yourself before every Sunday:
- Am I coming prepared to meet God?
- Am I expectant, humble, and ready to worship?
- Am I open to be changed?
Because when we come with the right heart, we don’t just go to church—we encounter God.
budi hidajat 