Taking in Romans 12:1-2 today as a reminder that worship is more than music and great sound. Worship is much deeper than getting a lead sheet perfected or keeping steady rhythm. It is in fact a time to view God's mercy for us and in return offer Him what we would rather keep.
Webster's Dictionary defines worship as "the reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object". We are innately equipped as beings to put things into the position of reverent love and devotion. Sometimes they are tangible things that most of us understand like money, material possessions, career, unhealthy relationships, fancy ascots, food or substance abuse. But what about the underneath. What about the root vices that hold the heart captive and take the throne of our reverent love and devotion? The unseen and unspeakable. The things that lead us into action. Our pride, our envy, our selfish ambitions, our fear, our anger, our insecurities, our agenda. It seems for me that it is most natural to hold to and keep the comforts of what these vices produce. It is also less desirable to practice the discipline of recognizing that they have taken residence. If you fall into the camp that claims that these vices are nonexistent, why would one slow down long enough to reflect on the need for forgiveness, grace, understanding, and the freedom that mercy gives.
But without these imperfections, why receive mercy? And without admittance, there is no sacrifice. You see, most would rather hold on to pride then reveal that we are insecure. Most of us would rather spend what we do not have to be accepted by our peers than to be grateful for what we have now. Most of us would rather justify why we don't pursue God sized dreams than to be vulnerable in unknown territories.
But doesn't God already know this? We have no way out of worshiping something or someone. So pour out your weakness. Reveal not only to yourself but to those who witness a God worthy of our worship. View from the best seats in the house his mercy show. Then give him what you'd rather keep. He'll turn it into something much more beautiful.
And to those entrusted to lead, take the time to challenge your singers/musicians to think about the words in each song. Challenge them to reflect on the things that may hinder their worship! Take the time to dwell on how he has shown mercy... and give up the God of performance, perfection, & perfect pitch! It may just change your worship!
