Mark Horst wrote, “As soon as we come to worship looking for and expecting an experience, we have violated the most basic principle of (worship). We easily become religious aesthetes capable of judging the entertainment value of a church service while remaining unaware of the reality it can open us to. Unfortunately for us, when our worship becomes self-conscious rather than God-conscious, it points not to God’s reality but (only to) our own.”

Too often we think of worship mostly or solely in terms of how it impacts us rather than how it impacts God. And we are the losers when we do that. If we think of ourselves as the necessary beneficiaries of worship we won’t truly worship. If we think of God as the beneficiary of worship, we will also benefit. One of the major reasons people argue about worship today is that they have the wrong person (themselves) in view. Worship ultimately is not about us; it is about God.

And if it is about God, then it is about pleasing God with a heart attitude clothed in humility.

Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Yes, worship should reflect and even celebrate the diversity of the Body of Christ. But the beauty of this body is that we prefer one another over ourselves. If we can’t do that then is our worship really acceptable, no matter what the style? “Proud worship” is an oxymoron! Proud worship demands it's own way. Proud worship allows no room for others. It is "individualism to the max! it is the kind of worship the Lord resists! Oh what a tough lesson this is to learn. Our humility should lead our worship...for a humble heart the Lord does not despise. This kind of worship is irresistable to God. It's not about style. It's about heart. This is what we should be striving for…….. after all, one day we will all worship before our Lord and maker, not in separate venues, but in His Holy sanctuary as one Holy nation from every tribe, tongue, language and people.

Psalm 148:12-13 “Young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted”.

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Blended vs. United worship? Even the words themselves set a definitive line... blended: mixed up, put together, hodge podge... united: unified, together, as one...It's an ongoing struggle and until the focus is upon God, the struggle will continue....more Submitted by: Alan Miller Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, TX THANK YOU! I agree! Thank you so much for putting it so well. We need to focus on God - that is why we worship, not for our comfort or entertainment. Awesome article....more Submitted by: Jean Location: Spencer Iowa Wow! What a thought-provoking article! I am challenged to look at my own worship (and that of our church) with a fresh eye--UNITY versus conflict, ego versus God's will. Thank you for this reminder!...more Submitted by: Bronda Location: Wichita, KS

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