No Running in Church

Back in the day long ago when I was a mere boy, certain things were expected of children.  Many of us had mothers who sought to curb some of that energy by saying, "Children are to be seen, not heard," or "Clean out your plate, there are hungry children in the world," or "You say, 'yes sir', not yeah."   I remember, too, that there was a taboo against having fun in church.  On more than one occasion I heard it said, "Don't run in church and don't make so much noise."  I guess the adults in the rather quiet Methodist Church were afraid their children might grow up to be dancing and shouting Christians.   

Of course, it was not just a matter of curbing childhood energy, but teaching values.  Many of our parents regarded the church building as sacred space and, therefore, those inside of it acted with a kind of quiet respect and awe.  And while I never really cringed at the noisy exuberant children in church, I did often remember the words I heard when it had been my turn to be a child running up and down the aisle.  It is important to remember and recognize the places that are regarded as holy and this is simply what our parents were seeking to instill within us.    

As we remember, we know they were wrong.  It is not just the church building which is holy, but every part of the creation.  There is nothing unholy about what God has created.  This includes each of us as we are created with the imprint of God's hand on our life.   As amazing as is this truth, it is even more amazing what Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians,   "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?  (I Corinthians 3:16)  The Word here and in other places teaches that there is holy space within us for there is that deep invisible part of our own spirit where God mysteriously dwells.