This Is Our Place of Worship

Conclusion of SHOWING RESPECT FOR PURE WORSHIP

The respect we show for our places of worship is often noticed by non-Witnesses. For example, a man in Turkey said:  "The cleanliness and orderliness that I observed  at the Kingdom Hall impressed me.  The people there were well-dressed, had smiles on their faces, and greeted me warmly. This impressed me greatly."  The man began to attend meetings regularly, and soon  thereafter he got baptized. In one city in Indonesia, a congregation invited local government officials and neighbors to an open house prior to the dedication of a new Kingdom Hall. The mayor attended. He was impressed by the quality of the building, its functionality, and its beautiful garden.  "The cleanliness of this hall reflects your true faith," he commented.

Our respect for the God who invites us to Christian meeting should be manifested in our decorum, dress,and grooming. Respect also requires that we avoid  extremes. It has been observed that while some appear to be overly strict as to what is proper behavior while attending congregation meetings, others may be too casual at the Kingdom Hall.  Of course, Jehovah wants his servants and other guests to feel comfortable there.  At the same time, those in attendance would not want to detract from the meetings by being overly casual in their dress, by texting or talking during the meetings, by eating, drinking, and so on.  Parents should train their children to understand  that the Kingdom Hall is not the place for running or playing. -Ecclesiastes 3:1. 

Filled with indignation, Jesus threw out of God's temple those who were introducing commercial activities.  (John 2:13-17) Our Kingdom Halls too are places for true worship and spiritual education. So any business activities that have nothing to do with spiritual pursuits ought to be taken care of elsewhere.  -Compare Nehemiah 13:7,8. 

Next time: This Is Our Place of Worship -PROVIDING AND FINANCING KINGDOM HALLS

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015