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EvaluationTrue Worship
by J. Ross Greer of The Place of Grace Ministries (about the ministry)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from J. Ross Greer, be sure to subscribe to his daily e-mail list A Word For The Church.]
For several weeks now, we have laid the groundwork for evaluating our personal and corporate worship. The verse above is the key to the process. Can we define our worship as that which is rooted in spirit and in truth?
If our focus is on our outward actions, then our worship is not “in spirit”. If our worship requires a particular style of music for worship to occur, then our worship does not emanate from within our souls.
Years of leading and participating in worship services have revealed a selfish attitude among Christians relative to worship. If they cannot sing “their” music, or more specifically, the “old” songs, then they cannot “feel” that they have worshipped. Their focus is totally in conflict with what God desires in our worship of Him.
Coupled with the desire for a specific music style is the failure to examine the doctrine of the songs. For over fifty years (and perhaps longer), the church has allowed unbiblical music to permeate its services simply because it had a good beat. As a result, we have been promulgating false doctrine through our music that we would never accept from our pulpits.
The excuse that is often given is that “the people” understand the truth and can weed out the references to the “bad” doctrine. Truth is that few believers are that knowledgeable, and they may not remember the sermon, but they will leave church singing the false truth of the music that was sung. We must also consider the lost among us. How will they benefit from hearing false doctrine?
We need to approach our worship more seriously. It is not about music style, but it is about proclaiming truth about the God of the universe who is jealous for our undivided worship. Where did we ever get the idea that we had the right to choose worship that pleased us?
Copyright 2002, The Place of Grace Ministries. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About The Place of Grace Ministries: In 1992, God interrupted the well-organized life of J. Ross Greer through a study called "Experiencing God". This encounter birthed a passionate vision for local churches that has become The Place of Grace Ministries. Through teaching, music, and writing, we call believers to return to the basic principles of God's Word and participate in the work of God. For questions or scheduling information, please contact us at: theplaceofgrace@att.net Or visit our web site at: http://home.att.net/~theplaceofgrace/theplaceofgrace.html |
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