When 30 mins early is still too late

Yeah, you know what I'm talking about...Pue Possession!

I always arrive at church 30 minutes early, and there appears to be rows and rows of empty seats. However, when attempting to sit down, I find that someone has reserved them by placing their scriptures or hymn book there. It brings me to the question...what time do I have to be at church to get a seat?

After many years of going to church, I have accepted that saving seats at church is kind of like the Germans placing their towels on the deck chairs the night before, while on vacation. My British friends will understand that explanation. My point is that church seat saving has become a fact of life that we live with, because telling someone to turn up and sit down, like you did, seems to label you as un-christian.

This week really bothered me though. After arriving 30 minutes early, finding the building virtually people free, but every cushioned seat reserved, I took my usual spot on the hard metal chairs at the back. Then 10 minutes after the start of church, people walked in and sat down on three rows of seats that had been saved for them. Call me a religious fanatic, but church is a privilege and a blessing to me. Part of the reverence we should be showing should include being punctual and seated.

Seat saving is selfish, and I don't apologize for saying so.

There have been occasions when I have sat in a seat at church and been asked to move because this is 'Their seat!' REALLY??? When the prophet burns your name into the wood of a pue, then I will respect it as being yours. Until then, come to church, sit in your chair or allow those who actually show up on time to have the privilege of a comfortable seat.

You wouldn't go to the post office, and jump the line with the excuse that you had a book or magazine saving your place. Three rows of people wouldn't jump the line at disneyland with the excuse that their neighbor had held all those places. Not without some kind of a death wish. There is no other place a person would dare to do this, so why have the disrespect to do it in a church building to your fellowmen?

I'm not saying that I'm right...but this is how I feel. However, I am really interested in anyones thoughts and feelings on this subject...so comments please.