I have a confession to make…… I’ve been convicted. No, not for a felony, but convicted nonetheless. I was reading Romans 12 (which is chock full of wonderful guidance and wisdom, by the way) and the chapter begins by stating what exactly is (or should be) your act of worship. To be holy and pleasing to God is pretty straight-forward, but what I extracted out of this simple phrase hit me much deeper. The direction and basis for worship, which is all predicated on God’s mercy to us. I hate to admit, but my perspective has been quite backwards for many years.
Many times I would come home from church and make the comment “Ya’ know… worship just wasn’t that great today.” What I really meant was: the music or worship band didn’t get me all energized or moving the way I was hoping for. Oh, for shame, that I heap that kind of responsibility on the church. Paul clearly states in the very first verse that worship is a “me-to-God” act… not a “church-to-me” relationship. Worship should be the by-product of how much you truly appreciate the mercies that God has bestowed on you. Worship comes from the heart. The worship music that happens in church should be an expression of your heart, not just an impression on you. If I don’t think worship was “all that great”.... guess what; that’s my heart talking and I need to do some serious one-on-one with God, not the worship band.
It’s kind of comical (though not really) that I am a musician and my writings are absolutely an expression of my heart… and I get that. I’m not sure why, then, I would expect anything else just because someone else happens to be playing the music.
Let’s face it, we all need to be ministered to and God provides so many ways for that to happen. That’s why he gave his body of believers so many unique and different gifts, so that we can collectively benefit from all He has given us. What needs to be in the very forefront of our minds, however, are the mercies He has so lovingly imparted on us. We don’t deserve them, but He gives them anyway.
The next time you settle into church with expectations of being spiritually moved, remember, the music or the moment my carry you on a wonderful journey but the true worship comes from within. Acknowledge, appreciate and be humbled by the mercies God has given you and worship will spring from you in an honest and true expression of yourself. I can already see God smiling.
Greg A. Morton
© 5-27-08
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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1 comment:
I totally agree with you. As a former member of several worship teams there have been times when the songs were not "inspirational" or the musicians/singers were not in accord. I always noticed a change in the service though when I focused on the goodness and mercies of the Lord. I forgot I was up there in front of everyone and therefore didn't care what anyone else thought. I would close my eyes, raise my hands, throw back my head, and sing to the God who loved me enough to pay such a huge price. Sometimes I would cry as the weight of the realization of His love hit me. The amazing thing is that when I opened my eyes people all over the congregation were in the same or similar posture.
Later as a lay person I found a the same effect can occur on a smaller scale. Next time you are in a service that seems to be going nowhere try this and watch God move. All He needs is one person who is willing to forget themselves and their own needs long enough to focus full attention on Him and He will move the mountain (hearts of the people).
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