I used to be a Boy Scout. One of the things Scouting taught me was to leave my campsite in better shape than I found it. The principle behind this teaching goes beyond any environmental concerns to the consideration of the next person who may follow your trail.

Jesus teaches us this very idea as well when he says, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets”, Matthew 7:12.

Think for a minute now; where, of all places would you expect the divine principle in the above teaching (s) to be automatically applied?

Answer: Wherever saints meet to worship Almighty God. Make sense?

The things I am about to note, may seem small at first, but consider that someone must follow us (I am speaking of a 300 + member congregation) and clean, correct, replace, restock and sometimes even make repairs in the very place where we, the saints of God, have met with our Lord. They do this gladly, and never complain.

I counted, however. There are 52 total pews, 178 song book racks & 178 card racks in our auditorium. Consider that each time after we meet:

• Every songbook must be replaced in its rack with its string inside.
• Every pew Bible must be put where it belongs for the next user.
• All visitor cards and prayer request cards must be straightened, restocked and replaced.
• Pens for the above cards must also be put back in their holders.
• All messes such as discarded gum & candy wrappers, unwanted papers, dropped snacks, Kleenexes, abandoned bulletins, etc. must be cleaned up.
• Dropped or abandoned crackers, cookies, cereal, chips and like goodies must be quickly removed from the floor or they tend to attract critters or else get stepped on and make a real mess.
• Gum or glitter messes are the worst, requiring lots of time and effort to clean.
• No biggie. We have cleaning fairies that come out at night; right? Ha! I make a funny.

Be a good scout. The next time you meet with the Lord’s people take 30 seconds to put your place of worship back in order before you leave. Do not underestimate the good you will do.