“But whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice.” Philippians 1:18
Just what are we bringing as an offering to God in our times of worship?
Have you ever exited a worship service and heard this comment, “Well, I did not get very much out of that,” or “I am just not getting fed around here?”
Paul experienced this same kind of darkness in the churches he worked with in his day. We see this in many conflicted congregations. And it always makes me want to ask another question:
“How can the twenty year old on the last row say the service was deeply touching to her when the fifty-five year old on the seventh row said he did not get fed at all?”
Let’ s look at this – same choir, same bulletin, same sound system, same announcements, same musical instruments, same sermon and same benediction. WHY? Perhaps it has more to do with what each of us brings to worship as an offering, rather than coming in with a desire to evaluate and critique. What we bring to worship and how we choose to worship have a direct bearing on what we receive in worship!
It is me, Lord, standing here in need of the most prayer…
In the text today, Paul is reminding us that we can argue all day about motives, techniques, styles, music and even visual aids or not. If the Scripture is being read and preached on about Jesus Christ, there is plenty to rejoice about.
It’s hard to rejoice even at the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ if we have a rotten attitude ourselves. And I can personally confess having been there at times. It was not what happened or did not happen in worship, it was my disposition when I came into the door!
“Lord please help there to be a revival in this worship time today and let it start with me first.” – Wouldn’t that change our entire view of the music, the sermon, the readings, and even the ushers?
LITURGY is not a spectator sport or an occasion for us to critique how the Pastor is doing!
The “liturgy” or what we often call the “order and parts of the service” actually is an interesting word. It literally means, “The WORK of the people of God.” Wow
Since this is the case, then I am to WORK in the worship service, putting effort, energy and myself totally into the experience. When there is a hymn announced I will NOT stand there like “Lurch” with my arms folded in a macho, non-participatory stance, while my sweet little family sings. I will not keep looking at my watch to see how close the Pastor is going to get to the magic 12:00 time. Nor will I leave there the same as when I came in – or WORSE!
The reason “liturgy” is literally, “The Work of the people of God” is that we are to WORK hard at offering ourselves to God during every minute of worship. We are the offering – our words, our faces, our attitudes, and our participation all bring honor to the Lord or shame to the Cause. The reason we can even be here is that Jesus loved us, died for us on the Cross, and conquered sin, death and hell.
So what? Maybe we need to invoke the 10 second, “Help me Holy Ghost” prayer as we enter worship each time. I bet we will find plenty to rejoice about if we really give ourselves to WORK at making worship a blessing that brings honor to the Lord! I love you all and am always delighted to hear from you!
In Christ’s Transforming Grace,
Jim
Prayer: God, may my attitude, participation, expectation level and facial expression that I choose to bring into worship comprise an offering that will bring honor, glory and praise to You. Amen.
Please use the links to the left to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, and the links below to visit our website, listen to our podcast, subscribe for email and read our ministry blog.
Recent Comments