Okay, it's confession time.
About a week-and-a-half ago on Sunday morning, we played the song "Undignified." I blabbed a bit about the biblical context of the lyrics and challenged us to push the limits of our typical patterns of worship. It was all relevant, and I'm not a bit sorry for saying any of it, but I admit I feel a little bit hypocritical making the challenge behind the safety of my guitar and mic.
What am I confessing here? That I am unbelievably challenged in the area of demonstrative worship! I used to chalk it up to the introverted personality and unemotional demeanor. But last week I was thinking about how big God is, and how small our words of praise really are. Song lyrics have incredible meaning, and when sung with the right attitude must be beautiful to God. BUT THEY'RE STILL JUST WORDS. They can't possibly capture all of God's glory. We sing them because that's all we have.
Or is it all we have? I'm beginning to realize that worship must involve every part of our being. Singing words and being cognizant of their meaning is important. But so are our emotions! And emotions are demonstrated through action. David chose to demonstrate emotion by dancing around in a linen ephod. To his wife, he looked like a moron. But I'm pretty sure that is closer to an attitude of true worship than I have ever had, and that's an incredibly humbling thought. I wonder what it's going to take for me to be okay with appearing undignified before people.
Well, I'm glad to have that off my chest. Can anyone relate?
Since we're on the subject, what's the one thing you feel "pushes" your comfort level in worship? Mine is raising hands. . .makes me feel very uncomfortable. Someone might see me, you know. :)
Jeff
wanderings, musings, and general commentary on the process of becoming more like Christ
7 comments:
I CANNOT wait until I'm home next. I picture you dancing around, jumping up and down with shouts of exuberance. I see it now.... Hehe. ;)
wow, nice blog Jeff, its a really good subject. it's hard for me to engage sometimes. When I'm at church is probably the hardest time since everyone is there that i look up to. Probably the easiest time to worship is when i am at chi alpha because all my peers are there doing the same. i don't now... i don't think it really matters if i am jumping up and down and screaming hallelujah!!!! It is really all about god, not me. For me to do that w/o my huge ego is hard. so, i pray that god will give me courage so i can dance and rejoice at church. well have a great week and God bless those that have the same problem.
-Nate.
Jeff, thanks for being so transparent. For me, I am self conscious about dancing in worship. I feel like a klutz, but does God care if we’re as graceful as a swan? I believe He looks at the heart. God is working on our pride and stinky flesh. I also think that He looking to see if we can be obedient and humble. I mean, if we are willing to look undignified for his name sake in front of others, then surely we can be trusted in other areas as well. I believe that the more we are willing to look undignified, the less we will care about what others think of us, and then freedom will come.
There was a time when I, being the reserved type myself, couldn't enter in to worship much at all and felt as hard as a rock as I stood there wondering if there was something wrong with me. I didn't even enjoy worship much and was glad when it was over so I could hear the message. As I grew in the Lord, He softened my heart and now I love the worship as well as the messages. The main demonstration seems to come as tears - tears of joy and thanksgiving for His goodness to me, His child. I want everyone to know He is a good God.
The thing that pushes my comfort level these days is when lyrics seem to focus more about the 'self' rather than our awesome and good God.
Maria
I appreciate your honesty, Jeff. I keep asking myself the question: why is being undignified valuable--does it add value to worship? When I think of the story of David who danced before the Lord, it was a heart-felt response to what God was doing in his life--not necessarily a mandate to contemporary Christians! If Rod danced through the worship service in an ephod, I would be the first to bolt for the door! grin I do believe we must not fear man, but fear (respect) God. What kind of heart-felt response is God wanting from ROL worshippers?
Some times for me, pushing myself is paying attention during the whole worship time!
Hi Jeff,
I feel like I need to add a PS to my last comment. I had been reading the community lifestyle statement that is posted on George Fox University, a Christian university. I loved the focus on the fruits of the spirit, Phil. 4, and Romans 12:1 and 2. (see at http://www.georgefox.edu/about/beliefs/lifestyle.html) Perhaps these are the heart-felt responses God desires...
Hi Jeff,I guess when it comes to my worship I relate to the scripture; Luke 7:47-48. I have sinned greatly in my life and Jesus has forgiven me. When I worship Him I remember what He did for me- the one who was forgiven much. How can I not shout for joy and raise my arms to Him and weep because of His love for me? Don't be shy. Psalm 148 and 150 tells us everything in all creation praises the Lord!!
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