Worship
Worship Chairperson: Nancy Sanders
How does God want us to worship Him? The body of Christ is composed of many groups with many differences in opinions as to what is right and wrong. Most of us assume our form is most scriptural. So what are the guidelines set forth in scripture? Do you personally believe praise worship with instruments, clapping, dancing and all kinds of celebration is the right approach? Or do you love a quieter more structured form of worship with hymns and organ music. Either way, you - I - we, may have a host of scriptures to back up our conviction and support our view of what worship ought to be. The New Testament gives us basically one rule to follow - I Cor. 14:40, Paul tells us to "Let all things be done decently and in order."
In Greek "decent" here means to do something honestly or to walk honestly. It has to do with intent and motivation more than outward action, although such a good intention will usually results in right actions.
In Greek "order" means respectful, deferential, courteous, accommodating, well-mannered and polite... with these two meanings it throws open the door to all kinds worship. It can be quiet, loud, soft or bold. A group of believers can be bold, loud and well mannered all at the same time. They can also be soft, and quiet while at the same time rude and offensive. The style - use of instruments and volume level are not the biggest questions in Gods mind. The biggest question in His mind is this "What is our intent and motivation? Jesus is listening to our hearts. He's watching how much energy and forethought we put into the plan before we enter into His presence.
The truth is, God is more interested in the condition of our hearts than in our style of worship. So instead of focusing on who has the best form of worship, maybe we can concentrate on whether "we" have an open heart before God....
This is my prayer today for our church -
Lord, please allow each of us to have an appreciation for the entire Body of Christ and not hold others in judgment because they worship differently than us. Lord forgive "me, us" for the times I - We've been so judgmental, narrow-minded and closed to anyone who does things differently than what "-We have been accustomed to doing. Help us to see the wonderful flavors you have placed in Your church and to learn to appreciate and enjoy the wonderful bland and varieties that exist in Your family.
God Bless You All,
Kathy DeForest