A while back I was leading a public prayer at my congregation. In the middle of it a cell phone rang which completely threw my thoughts off. I ended the prayer prematurely, said my amen and goodbyes.
Now, what would have happened if I stopped my prayer in midstream and made some statement about turning cell phones off? I dare say that I probably would have someone say something too me about saying the right thing at the wrong time. It seems like everyone is in agreement that cell phones should be turned off during worship, but no one is willing to take ownership of the problem.
The problem is that when many people come to church, they do not have themselves prepared for worship. Usually they rush themselves to worship, husling their kids and spouse into a car and arriving 5 minutes late with their cell phones still turned on. Many are just punching their card for the week; feeling good about themselves; getting business contacts; etc. Hence turning off their cell phone or leaving it in their car is not first on their minds. This is nothing new. Growing up in the church I witnessed and contributed the same problems.
Can you imagine what would happen if everyone sang with all their hearts? Can you imagine the amount of work for God which could be accomplished if everyone put forth all their effort into pleasing God?