Conduct Worthy of a Future King
The keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles should honor God and be reflected in our daily example.
by Todd Carey
“What should I wear?” This is an all-too-common phrase that many people use, especially when they receive an unexpected invitation to a special event that will include important people. This question sends people to malls, boutiques and online to find that special suit, dress or pair of shoes to make an outfit complete.
More often than not, there is an even more important question that few will ask: “How should I act?” In short, our example or behavior is at least as important as the clothes we wear for an important meeting or gala.
Getting dressed in addition to getting dressed
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12). Within this one verse, we find an amazing responsibility that each of us has. If we believe we are the elect of God, that we are to be holy and are loved greatly by our Heavenly Father, then we should have the characteristics and qualities that show we are indeed the children of God.
Like putting on clothes, we must “put on” these godly traits. These types of conduct should be quite evident when we come together to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. We should not only be inspired by the uplifting messages we will hear, but we should also be positively impacted by the godly interactions and examples we witness. God expects each of us to be participants in these godly interactions, not just spectators.
Ready to listen
Rabison Shumba, a young African entrepreneur and motivational speaker, wrote about the expected behavior of people who come in contact with kings and influential people in his book The Greatness Manual. Mr. Shumba explained that a king deserves your attention. He noted that it is a privilege and an honor just to be called into the king’s palace. When the king speaks, you must listen intently, which means you have to sharpen your listening skills.
There is nothing more insulting or frustrating to a ruler than to have someone take the meeting for granted by focusing his or her attention on other “nice to see” things in the palace. In short, Mr. Shumba says, “You must pay attention.” Giving the speakers, special music performers and songleader at the Feast your undivided attention gives you better opportunities to rejoice and be informed. This principle is also important when we fellowship with others.
The gift of gratitude
Being grateful is defined as “being appreciative of benefits received” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). When we express gratitude toward God and His people, our outlook will be profoundly affected. It will impact the way we worship God and interact with those of like mind. There should be an appreciation for all the planning and work that goes into every aspect of a Festival site. Many hours are volunteered in hopes that everyone will benefit from keeping the Feast. Say thank you to those who serve you.
In order to maintain his kingdom, a good king recognizes that things must be done decently and in order. This is also expected of those who work with the king. If we are to walk by the same rule so that everyone will profit from the Feast, we must be accountable in areas such as:
Being on time for services/meetings. It is quite important that we are ready when services begin. How many times have we arrived a few minutes before services only to find ourselves engaged in conversations in the lobby, knowing that we have yet to find a seat, run to the restroom and pull out our notebooks and Bibles?
It’s always a bit awkward asking brethren to stand up during a message so you can get to an empty seat in the middle of the row. So strive to be seated before the service begins. This will allow you to fully participate in singing hymns—an opportunity to express your love and gratitude to God the Father for all of His many benefits. This part of the service should not be taken lightly, as it shows respect for God and His authority over us.
My technology! Once upon a time, we merely had cell phones. Now we have all sorts of devices that plan our day by informing, reminding and signaling us that something is going on. Services during the Feast of Tabernacles focus on the Kingdom of God and future salvation for humanity. We all enjoy our “toys” that we use for information and entertainment, and we all enjoy a good song. But they each have their place and time. To show honor to God, as well as to those who are speaking or performing, please turn off your electronic devices during services. If you’re concerned you may have an emergency phone call, please put your phone on vibrate. Of course, an exception to foregoing electronic devices would be if one were taking notes on a netbook or laptop.
Communication during services. Talking during services should be kept to an absolute minimum. If you missed the scripture given, whisper to the person next to you and refrain from disturbing others.
Eating during services. It is discourteous to your Church family to eat in services, so strive to give yourself enough time to have breakfast before you arrive for the service. If you require food to take with medication on a prescribed schedule, leave the hall quietly and do so in the lobby or in the restroom.
Unhappy children. Children are a blessing from God! Nobody likes to leave services during an exciting message, but our children may force our hand. As parents, we need to be aware that although we may be able to tolerate a little fussiness or whimpering, others may not be able to maintain their concentration. Parents should have a strategy for when younger children become restless. Take them out of the meeting room if necessary, so others can focus on the message. For this reason, many Feast sites have a parents’ or mothers’ room, and some of them even pipe the audio of the message to this room.
Loitering. While there may be reasons for a few people to be out of the hall during services—such as parents comforting small children, those needing to use the restroom and Church personnel who have ushering or security responsibilities—it is inappropriate to be fellowshipping in the halls during services.
A pleasure to honor you
We all desire the Kingdom of God and pray for it often. The Feast gives us a small glimpse into our future. We anticipate receiving the gift of eternal life and reflecting the character of God with full measure.
Though we have yet to enter into the Kingdom, we are still citizens awaiting the coming of that Kingdom. The Feast of Tabernacles gives us the opportunity to treat each other in a way that glorifies God and Jesus Christ. God inspired the apostle Peter to write, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Let our conduct toward one another at the Feast be worthy of those who await their change to royalty!