The definition of worship is this: reverent honor and homage paid to God; formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor. In other words, it is giving honor to our great God. It is a formal way of showing Him our love and respect. It is our way of letting go of all and giving it to him.
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise."
Psalm 95:1-2
What will it take for you to worship in Song?
A) Pride
You can put on your nice church clothes in the morning. You can shake the men's hands at church and slap that fake smile on your face, but you can't fool God. He deserves our attention, worship and so much more. Your pride puts the brakes on you worship. You're not better than anyone else and no one is judging you. If they are, they have their own issues with worship and so on. Give it up and give it to God!
B) Fear
We're men right? Men are what we are. Sounds like I'm quoting from 'Fight Club'. What are you so afraid of? Feeling weak? Looking funny? Maybe you think that girl you like will think less of you if your arms are raised high and you are actually sincere. Maybe you're wrong; maybe that exactly what she needs to see to even consider you. We are to Fear God, and we can do that through worship. Give it up and give it to God!
We're men right? Men are what we are. Sounds like I'm quoting from 'Fight Club'. What are you so afraid of? Feeling weak? Looking funny? Maybe you think that girl you like will think less of you if your arms are raised high and you are actually sincere. Maybe you're wrong; maybe that exactly what she needs to see to even consider you. We are to Fear God, and we can do that through worship. Give it up and give it to God!
C) Understanding
You have to ask yourself 'how am I worshiping God', if I am not worshiping him in song? Is it at work? I would guess not. Is it at home watching the TV? I would assume not, again. If you call yourself a man of God, than worship must be understood and practiced. You should want to do it. You should consider all that He has done for you and sing his praises. I can't say that I always feel like singing or giving Him my all in Church, but I have to remember worship. I want to worship God and give Him my all!
You have to ask yourself 'how am I worshiping God', if I am not worshiping him in song? Is it at work? I would guess not. Is it at home watching the TV? I would assume not, again. If you call yourself a man of God, than worship must be understood and practiced. You should want to do it. You should consider all that He has done for you and sing his praises. I can't say that I always feel like singing or giving Him my all in Church, but I have to remember worship. I want to worship God and give Him my all!
What will it take for you to worship?
Bryan, that's a great post and I hope it's an encouragement to many who don't feel able to fully engage with worship. I just wanted to say that my experience in our church is different - we're a small group with around 250 regular worshippers, pretty much 50/50 men/women, with all ages represented. Almost all the men there are the most enthusiastic worshippers you could wish to meet - and that's right from the youth to the octogenarians. I don't know what we do differently that makes that happen, but worship there is an awesome experience as a result. I hope and pray those reading your post get to overcome their reluctance and give in to God during worship - they'll never regret it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. Sometimes it helps men to hear that there are churches and other men out there giving their all to God in worship. Your men are a great example!
DeleteSince I am currently leading the song worship in our church I observe weekly what you speak of. Some weeks are better or worse, but there are large numbers who are tuned out during the singing. I would venture to guess they are also tuned out during the preaching. I don't accept the stereotype that you need to raise your hands or close your eyes but I do believe in being involved in the singing.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the reason some of them are not singing is because they don't have anything to sing about.
Grace and peace.
I can't agree more with you. Your statement about 'maybe they have nothing to sing about' is right on. If your not involved with worship, there is probably a deeper issue. A search of the heart needs to start and quick! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
DeleteNo, singing isn't synonymous with worship but there is ample evidence in scripture that it can be a vital part. At the risk of the trap of proof texting let me share a verse that I continually come back to,
ReplyDelete]
(Colossians 3:16 NAS77) Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Any action that is part of worship can be counterfeited. That does not mean it is not a part of worship.
Having said that, I agree with your last sentence completely.
Grace and peace.