True Corporate Worship

Consumerism in our society has really been disheartening to me recently. Especially when I see how much it has tainted my own heart. Everything we do seems to be for our own benefit. We are so critical of how we received messages, that we lack an intimacy with God due to our own selfish perspectives. Who are we to be the judge of every sermon and music that is selected? Heaven forbid our churches don't apply directly to our personal needs while playing our favorite worship songs. Are we really knowlegeable enough to understand what makes the Holy Spirit stir or not due to the amount of speaking expertise? I am not saying we shouldn't guard our hearts against false and unbiblical teaching. That is essential. I am simply proclaiming that we view the leaders of our church with grace and mercy. Their job demands a lot as well so be considerate and encouraging instead of writing them off because they aren't dynamic enough. These problems are not just in the church either. Just be an instrument of light, not darkness.

I want to relate this to our consumeristic view of worship. My World Mission's prof asked us to change our perspective of how we worship. Worship is a time where we join together to praise our God. God's purpose for the earth is that every one of His people join together and worship His name. Every tribe, tongue, and nation. In Revelation 4:8 we see the picture of the creatures sitting around the thrown crying out the praises of God forever. Let all the nations praise the Lord. So instead of wondering if the worship song is your favorite or not, be joyful in the fact that we can lift our voice with our brothers and sisters around the world. We get to sing the praises of our Lord, just as He intended, and it is pleasing to Him. Those without music are still singing the praises of the Lord in their native languages. What a beautiful picture of christians all over the world are praising the one and only Lord and savior.

John 3:30 says that He must increase, and I must decrease. Our Lord and Savior washed feet. He hung out with the broken and needy. He gave His life for us, so that we may have life. So let's not value things by what we get out of it. Examine your heart. And let's become less so that He can be known by all on this earth. Then we will join with them, singing His praises all the more.