[Worship] Re: Expressive Praise & Worship

["Earl.T.McCullough" <Earl.T.McCullough@delphi.com>]

Well, my take on this is (prepare for random thoughts) - the heart matters most.  And, even if I am inclined to jump up and down in my living room when the Jets beat the Bills, that doesn't mean I'd use the same expression everywhere - for example, I was walking in the mall one day when a game was on - the team I wanted to win scored the winning touchdown.  I did not jump up and down...I was in the mall for cryin' out loud.  That doesn't mean I wasn't still excited about it.  I just expressed it differently based on my surroundings.

Freedom to worship means, free to worship the way God wants you to at that particular moment.  Even if it means standing still and singing (or sitting and crying, or jumping and clapping).  We never seem to realize the diversity in our design should be manifest in our worship expression, and we should be tolerant, even celebrant, of expressions different than ours.  Are there limits to that freedom?  Of course...scripturally spelled out for us.  But, for some reason, we tend to lack balance in our approaches to this.  

We are either paranoid about people getting too "charismatic" and disrupting worship (so we ask people to stop dancing, or stop laying on the floor, or whatever), or we are paranoid about people being spiritually dead (so we ask people to clap and dance, or whatever)...we end up justifying one method at the expense of the other - and that's not right.  

Freedom of worship means free to be silent and solemn AND (not or) free to be jubilant and expressive.  We have to allow both, and not question the heart of someone who doesn't fit into the current mold.  Really, the key is, "Free to worship as influenced by God", not free to worship as influenced (either way) by others.  

Granted, I've seen people with the sour looks and folded arms.  But, just like it isn't our job to "save" people, only bring the message - it isn't our job to get them to worship, only provide some methods that they can participate in if they choose.  The decision to worship is only made by the worshippee and the worshiper - not anyone else.  Not the drummer, worship leader, pastor, person sitting next to you, or your spouse or kids.....

I see this whole issue as one of grace.  Grace towards those who express themselves differently.  Grace towards others who aren't at the same place as you.  Grace to those kids who like different music.  Grace to those old people who feel they can't worship unless it's a hymn.

Grace and understanding.  Why is that so hard for Christians?

Struggling through ministry like everyone else,
Earl 

**************************************************
       Looking for praise and worship music resources?
                      Visit our list sponsor at:
                  http://www.worshipmusic.com

      Any questions about your subscription or the list?
                Contact worship-help@praise.net
**************************************************