Making Music

Worship Articles by John A. White Contributing Writer October 31, 2011

We walk a fine line when we talk about worship. Clearly there are theological traps to avoid that focus our attention to other than God or that limit worship expressions. While you don't want to needlessly limit worshipful expressions, you neither want to give license to excesses that are less than truthful and spiritual expressions of worship of the Most Holy One (Jn 4:23). Paul, having seen several abuses, responded to them by writing practical guidelines for public worship. His advice is timeless, transcends culture and time and is based in what James calls the "Royal Law" (Jam 2:8). Paul says, regarding public worship, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (NIV, 1Cor 8:9) and "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (NIV, Rom 14:19). Under these guidelines, we can improve the depth of our worship by:

Regular fasting and prayer because it strengthens our faith and prepares us to encourage someone whose faith is weak. In fasting and prayer, we learn to sing the song of faith and dedication in the midst of want, need and suffering.

Preparing before every church meeting we attend. This will insure we have a contrite and circumspect spirit. In these moments of quietness, examination, and stillness, we revere His Lordship by listening to both His "still small voice" and, if He chooses, His silence. We shout "He is Lord" when we wait in silent stillness.

Because, our church is most importantly a place most densely populated with divine appointments, we need to come to church prepared for and anticipating ministry to others in the same way we anticipate and prepare to meet our friends. "'My food,' said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work'" (NIV, Jn 4:34). We were created to minister to one another. Just as the telephone, light-bulb and the theory of relativity brings glory to Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein, our obedience to our daily ministry brings honor to our Creator.

Have you noticed Matt 5:23-24 does not give much wiggle room? No matter the reason or the validity of someone's complaint against us, we are to pursue peace with God's family. This includes our preferences of worship music style, dance or clapping. It means how loud we sing, if we lift our hands or whether we kneel in holy adoration. It includes our attitudes that weaken or destroy fellowship and our personalities that can be naturally abrasive. It means we are not to judge worship but rather participate in worship of the One to whom it's due. Our worship expressions must be judged by the values, traditions and priorities of our faith community. An attitude of love and service to all, especially those whom we offend, is an offering that's paid in love and humility to Christ's body (1 Chr 21:24).

Madonna's right; we live in a materialistic world. People sense their value is in what they produce or can earn. But the worshipful life transformation liberates us from materialistic bondage to hilariously generosity by placing our inherent value in God's valuation of us (Ps 65:4, Jn 15:16). The starting place is acting upon the grace of freedom we have already received, not waiting for the desire. The value and security of our lives are not our bank accounts. Therefore we are free to give. Do our checkbooks represent this freedom? Similarly we are valued because we are God's children, not by what we produce. There is no Biblical command, "Thou shall fill every moment of every day." In fact, the command is "You shall keep the Sabbath and keep it holy." (Ex 20:8, Deut 5:12). We are free to rest. Do our schedules represent freedom and holy rest? When is the last time you had a long period of holy time with God? God has given both time and money; it's our responsibility to worshipfully and respectfully to return a portion back to God and use what we can of the balance to further His work. In this way, we redeem God's gifts (Jer. 15:19) for His glory and work.

Continue >>>