I was having a conversation last night with my worship pastor about different styles of worship. In my adult life, I have attended all kinds of churches: Baptist, Methodist, Assembly of God, Foursquare, non-denominational, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Catholic... In some there are hands raised, in some there is silence, in some there are loud instruments, in some there is just a piano, in some there is clapping and shouting, in some there is dancing, and the list goes on. To many people, there is great discomfort in "outward worship" that is different from what we are accustomed to. Baptists can feel like things are too loose and unorganized at an Assembly of God church worship setting, and those people could feel oppressed in a Baptist church. I have been there myself, on both sides at different times in my own life, so I understand. Here is the thing to remember... God has made us all different! I am certain there is not a universal standard for worship, since we are not "standard, universal people." However, in my quiet time this morning, a question came burning in my spirit... Am I worshipping God at His level of comfort and pleasure, or my own? Wow! That is the heart of the matter, isn't it? When I look at the Bible, what I mostly see of worship is pretty uncomfortable. People throwing themselves to the ground on their faces, falling on their knees, making sacrifices, etc. (Job even tore his robe, shaved his head and fell to the ground in worship). I heard it said once, by a worship leader, "Some of you may not be used to this sort of worship, but you see I worship like a desperate, dying man in the desert without one drop of water, asking God to please show up again." Now, I can see God smiling at that remark :) once again, I won't criticize anyone's form of worship, but I will say this regarding my own personal worship journey: One day, I will stand before Him. And I would rather get "uncomfortable" in my worship HERE and be better prepared to worship Him THERE. May all our sacrifices of praise be pleasing "to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever." Amen.
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AuthorI am passionate about world missions, specifically the country of South Africa. As an Ambassador for Living Hope Ministries in Cape Town, I am honored to serve with them in impacting their community for Christ! Archives
August 2018
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