THERE’S HOPE FOR THE CHURCH THAT EXALTS THE SAVIOR: Our Participation in Worship

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16 NKJV)

Some church folks apparently think that the mere act of attending a church service is an end in itself.  They think of worship as a spectator sport where they occupy the stands as fans and cheer (or boo) the performers—the preacher and singers—and hopefully leave entertained.  While I am thankful for those who show up—that only involves potentiality for worship.  What is needed is participation in worship!

This is a privilege and a precept—not an optional part of the Christian life.  It is not a choice; it is a command.  Since worship will be the order of eternity, if we do not desire to worship now perhaps we ought to skip heaven—we won’t like it!  Worship is what the saints do up there!  We are training for that exciting prospect—or we should be.

You might argue, “The services I’ve been in seemed more like the infernal than the inspirational.”  Then, it wasn’t worship.  There is an order of worship that is proper—the only acceptable kind to God which Jesus described as, “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). 

There is the objective element of truth, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” where in sermon and song the truth is to be paramount.

Then, we have the subjective experience of the spirit, “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  We engage both the head and the heart.

I love the Berkley translation of Colossians 3:16a, “Let the enriching message of Christ have ample room in your lives.”   Are we seriously giving the Lord plenty of space to speak to us on Sunday mornings?  Or does what we cram in there on Monday through Saturday close the door of our thoughts to a Word from God?   We must beware minds cluttered by distraction or hearts choked by disobedience.

The wisdom of God is available in the Word of God.  Don’t impoverish your soul!  We need both instruction on what to do and admonition about what not to do.  If we are always told about what we ought to do and not the way to do it (teaching), we become legalists, but if we are never told there are things we shouldn’t do (admonishing), we become liberals.  I don’t want to be either!

Then, there is the vital expression of worship through our music.  If we are looking for music to please our preferences then we are misguided.  Music is to praise our God in psalms and hymns and to edify our brothers in spiritual songs that impart grace.

Too often we get bent out of shape about music style.  The substance is most crucial—not the style!  The text is more important than the tune.  It’s not about the melody that entertains, but the message that edifies.

So you ought to participate in the music—even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket!  You can make melody in your heart!  Mouth and meditate on the message even if you are a monotone. 

I can’t help but sing.  Last Sunday I was hoarse from sickness—and reason told me to restrain my singing to save my voice for the sermon.  But, I couldn’t help myself.  There was a song inside that demanded to be let out—and the next thing you know I was belting it out!  Nobody is going to vote for me on “American Idol” and offer me a recording contract—but, I believe God enjoyed it!  And, after all, it is about Him!

This Sunday, don’t be an absentee from the service—and don’t be apathetic in the service.  Your attitude will make the sermon and songs seem better.  The proper focus on blessing God will bless those around you—and you will find an amazing thing—you will be blessed also!