AMEN AND CLAPPING AND TOSS IN AN APPLAUSE SIGN

My first time in New York City I thought I might like to see "Saturday Night Live". I mean we used to plan our social life around the 10:30 Central showing of SNL. Chevy Chase, Jane Curtain, Belushi, Garret Morris, Gilda, and the old time cast were too funny for almost 30-somethings. But no way could we get tickets back then. I'm not sure they would have needed the Applause sign on that show. The last time I watched even an opening monolgue, they definitely needed the sign.

But what about church? Usually applause is reserved for special music. Sometimes at the end of a praise song that was especially good or unusual. Lots of clapping in a lot of churches nowadays (or is it just nowdays, better yet, now). But mostly to the beat or instead of singing.

There are still a few "Amens" when older males feel moved to agree with a point made by the pastor. I've only uttered a few in my lifetime. I don't kow, maybe I don't feel old enough. I knew this young guy who Amened before he was old enough and they escorted him out of the church right on the spot. Ok, I made that up. But I think it could happen. I mean, you have to be old and male to Amen. Well, most of the time.

But what about applause for the preacher? Every preacher strikes a chord once in awhile. Why not just applaud for them right then and there? Without the applause sign being lit. How many times does the President get interrupted by applause (at least on one side of the aisle) when giving his State of the Union? I mean political analyists make mental notes who claps, who stands, who sits like Edward Kennedy and scowls. Why can't we give applause for scripture and solid biblical points that are made by the pastor? And you wouldn't have to be old. You could even be female. Just clap. Stand and clap for a great insight given. Even give a "Here, Here," or a "Hip, Hip, Hooray!"

Maybe I went too far. But would it please God if we got more animated in church? I think so. Would it please the pastor? It would me. I might emhasize a point, well more pointedly. I'd pause, just to give my listeners a chance to clap. I'd relish it. So maybe that's what's wrong with the suggestion. We might be giving glory to the wrong one. Only the Right One, should receive it. But any pastor worth his salt and light knows that.