Recently I was sitting down to lunch with my friend and pastor, Frank Price. We were discussing the worship of God in our churches and community. I was frustrated with the lack of desire in the people's hearts to worship God. While I believe that church leadership is responsible for education in the area of worship, man's ability to praise the things and imperfect people of this world comes so naturally. I know that message has been spoken from many a pulpit and in many a Facebook Post/Twitter feed, but I would like to take it a little bit further today. I'll first share a couple of recent experiences to which I'm sure many pastors and worship leaders can relate.
I had had a gentleman in my church recently walk with me into the sanctuary as I was heading to the stage to begin service. As we walked in together, he turned and said to me, "Time to be sang at." Then he filed into his pew. I brushed off the comment at the time, but had every intention of praying about and processing the comment later. Then, as I started the first song, I looked to the back of the room to see a woman with her hands over her ears. Now I know that many worship leaders have experienced that one before, but it was just me with my acoustic guitar (Can you imagine if I'd had electric guitar and drums?). This problem, however, is not about people who don't like my style of praise and worship. Soon after, I would lead for another event with a full band and high-energy tunes. It was a perfect for the attending demographic.Still, genuine worship was limited, while arms crossed, phones in hand, private side conversations were the prevalent activity in the presence of God.
Now some scripture...
22 “Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23 I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. 24 He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed Who are incensed against Him. 25 In the Lord all the descendants of Israel Shall be justified, and shall glory.’”(Isaiah 45:22-25 NKJV) 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NKJV)
Every knee will bow. It's non-negotiable. Even those who have detested or cursed God will bow before Jesus, His Son. Now does the attitude or heart change because of a tangible presence of God which possibly includes visual confirmation? Furthermore, will the attitude and heart of the believer who has stood in the presence of God in the local church change when before the King? I think that many believers hold on to a very flawed idea. When the moment arrives that they stand before the throne, they (perhaps because of their glorified bodies) will suddenly become a worshiper that the King is worthy of. I don't think is idea is something that believers are cognizant of, but if I were to stand before your congregation and ask,"Did you worship God today the way you will when we stand before Him in His kingdom?", I don't believe most people would say yes. Therein lies the flaw.
When we gather together in the presence of God, yet hold back as if we are not, the question must be asked, "Do you really want the presence of God?" Are you willing to raise your hands in surrender to Him as you would when overpowered physically? Will you open your hand and receive what God has for you as you would when receiving a gift from a friend? His presence is so much more than an idea that believers should just get behind. It's a gift and each moment is an opportunity to give praise and glory to a God who has given us a grace we will never understand. Don't let that lack of understanding prevent you from worshiping your savior and furthermore, don't think that your worship in heaven should be different because, once there, you will have the understanding.
Worship the un-understandable. Worship the Lord here on earth the way you know you will in heaven. Because when you come before God and fall to your knees, you will want that to be a familiar position.
-Aaron Millar
Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts. Please comment and I will gladly engage in further conversation with you. Have a great day.
ma·lar·key - A noun meaning- meaningless talk or nonsense. Welcome. Here I intend to share my thoughts on God, Worship, Family as well as provide updates on the journey the Lord is taking me and my family on. I invite you to join me, comment, share, or whatever else you'd like to do with the subject matter of my posts. Thank you so much.
-Aaron Millar You may also keep up with me on Facebook or Twitter
