Worship is a topic of frequent discussion among many in the church. Questions are raised as to how to make worship more meaningful. Complaints are registered by some that they get nothing out of the worship. There are cries for changes in the worship. Part of the problem is a misconception of what worship is and its purpose.
Jesus said, “God is a spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) True worship directed to God will increase our devotion to him and undergird the doctrinal and ethnical life of the church. If these are the benefits it must be asked why do even professing Christians frequently absent themselves from the worship? What has happened to our view of worship?
It may hurt, but it has to be admitted that we have allowed our services to become ritualistic. There is often a mechanical, cold, formal even boring atmosphere. Week after week we open worship the same way, have the Lord’s Supper at the same place, hear the same prayers at the table. We may not have a written ritual to follow but we might as well have. By falling into such ruts we allow worship to degenerate into mere routine.
No congregation would tolerate a preacher delivering the same sermon each week. But again and again God has to listen to words like these: “Bless the widows and the orphans and all for whom it is our duty to pray” or “Bless this bread (or cup) which to Christians represents the body (blood) of Jesus Christ as He hung on the cross. May those partaking of it do so in a manner well pleasing in thy sight.”
If worship is to ha’ an impact we need to spend some real time in preparation. Songs and sermons need to be unified. Those participating should realize they are called to a holy task. A sloven appearance at the table does not prompt a concept of reverance. When we see ourselves as creatures before the Creator and sinners unworthy of his grace will we be able to continue our half-hearted songs, prayers and gifts? Note passing, giggling, flirting and sleeping will keep on robbing our worship of meaning until we examine ourselves and reform our ways.
Judging from the way some behave worship is viewed as a time to correspond on the registration cards. Others imagine they are judges at a style show. Add to this the permission given by some parents to their children for a dozen trips to the fountain or bathroom, and we get an inkling why worship has lost its punch. Few can worship in the middle of such a “circus”.
There are the late corners; always late for their appointment with God. Then as the last song is announced a great migration is launched at the rear of the building. By the time the final “Amen” is said, it seems like someone has yelled “fire”. With distractions like this no wonder worship is viewed by some as drudgexy.
In our zeal that there be no additions to the worship and no changes in God’s instruction for worship let’s not forget to advocate true worship. If worship is all we claim it is then surely we would want a taste of the real thing. We need to promote reverence and devotion. Let us not stop with the forms of worship let’s restore the spirit of it as well.
The price tag for such worship is eternal vigilance. We need to examine our attitudes and carefully g against unhealthy habits. Remember we are to worship God both in spirit and in truth. A failure in either realm profanes God’s worship.
Leon Cole