It is important that we recognize first, though, that any form of worship (physically expressive or not) must be based in a accurate view of God. If our worship is based only on what we feel, or on our awareness of our image and reputation, then it is not God that we are worshiping, instead it is ourselves and our emotions or are pride that we begin to worship. "God-pleasing worship involves a heart engagement and an active faith in the existence and goodness of God (Hebrews 11:6) (p. 169)" God looks at our heart as we worship Him. This might lead some to conclude that it is really only what is in someone's heart that matters, but Kauflin points out the error in this way of thinking. I liked how he expressed this in the example with his wife. "If I told my wife, Julie, that I loved her, but never looked glad to see her, never hugged her, and never demonstrated my affection in any concrete way, she wouldn't be too impressed. We wouldn't have much of a marriage either." (p.170) Love that is never outwardly expressed isn't really love at all. True love chooses to act for the benefit of the one being loved without regard to self. Is it important what is in our hearts? Of course, it is absolutely vital, but that doesn't excuse us from the expressions of worship that are modeled for us in the Bible like "...clapping, singing, bowing, kneeling, lifting hands, shouting, playing instruments, dancing, and standing in awe." (p.171) and these can only be meaningful to God if our actions each day demonstrate our love for Him.
Kauflin made two other points that I think are vital to the discussion of physical expression in worship.
- First he says, "These expressions don't all have to be evidenced every time we gather...The crucial question is this: Is there any physical expression of worship that God has given us in Scripture that I've never displayed? And if so, why?" (p. 171) When we lead people in worship, we don't need to feel bad or feel like something is wrong if we don't see a ton of physical expression from the people we are leading every single time. As people go through different things in life their outward expressions (or lack thereof) will change from week to week. Something that might give us cause to pause and think, however, is if there is never any physical expression amidst the people we are leading or if there are Biblical expressions of worship that have never taken place in our church. This should probably make us stop and think, "Are we teaching and modeling a Biblical view of worship to the congregation?" "People in your church will learn the most from what is modeled by you and the other leaders. Churches rarely rise above the level of their leaders in expressiveness and genuine engagement." (p. 173)
- Second he points out that, "Our highest priority when we gather with the church is not our own personal expressiveness but the privilege of serving others. (1 Corinthians 14:12, 13:1-8). Individuals should be following your example and direction in the area of expressiveness, not breaking into loud shouting and enthusiastic dancing just because they feel like it. We're to be concerned about "the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4). At the same time, more reserved members shouldn't assume that expressive individuals are hypocritical, seeking attention, or rude. They might want to consider what they can learn from the unhindered and sincere expressiveness they see." (p. 172) As we lead (and even as we participate as a member of the congregation) we should be aware of the atmosphere and people around us and allow ourselves to be physically expressive in a way that honors God and that isn't going to be a major distraction to the rest of the congregation.
This is a touchy subject for a lot people. I know for myself I feel such a sense of freedom when I worship, and yet I know that I do not want to draw attention to myself by my actions. This is especially true when we are all sitting and we begin a song that talks of his majesty. I think to myself how can I not stand and honor Him, and yet I hesitate to do so because I do not want to distract others. I don't do it often, but there are times where I just feel compelled to stand. That's when I have to ask myself.....Am I going to stand and honor Him, or am I going to be worried what people might think!!!!
ReplyDeleteNow of course I am referring to when I am part of the congregation. But even then shouldn't we be an example to others of showing our love and affection to the lover of our soul?
I grew up in a family that was not very demonstrative. Sure my parents cheered us on when my brother and I were playing little league and such, but in everyday life and at church there wasn't a whole lot of showing your affection. Church was very formal,done with reverence,awe and singing hymns but no raising of hands or hearing someone say amen or hallelujah. Sometimes I want to raise my hand to show my need for Him, but feel untrained, if you will, or that is not me to do so. Still I need to serve as He leads.
ReplyDeleteExpression during corporate worship at our church seems to be limited to hand-clapping and some hand-lifting. I've not seen dancing in the aisles for a few years, now...:) It's bothered me, off and on, that, like Michele, I don't feel comfortable doing more than that when in the congregation or on stage for that matter. How could "hindrances" be addressed? And do we even know what those hindrances are? I'm inclined to think that how outwardly expressive a church body is during corporate worship has little to do with hindrances and more to do with its personality. A church is a "body" with different members who have different gifts and, and in my opinion...a unique personality. We're all individuals but we come together, to worship, as one body with a corporate personality, in a way. And certain people are going to be drawn to and feel a good fit with a certain church personality. Don't you think that's one of the reasons there are so many different churches? So, maybe our personality isn't going to change all that much and maybe that's not a bad thing. But maybe there is something we can do to help folks that do want to be a bit more expressive feel less self-conscious about it. Like maybe talk about it occasionally. "Hey, we're going to sing a song, now, about how awesome our God is. Did you know that God loves to see us express our joy through raising our hands and even dancing? It's OK if you want to do that!" Or "We may direct you to stand during our worship time, but if the Holy Spirit is keeping you in your seat or even pulling you down to your knees, please feel free to honor that."
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