15-5

Internal and External

Usually when someone is describing someone else as a "real worshiper," what they mean is that they are very expressive when they sing. But truthfully that person may just be outgoing, they may be trying to draw attention to themselves, or they could be worshiping God biblically. We can't really tell if a person is worshiping just by looking at them from the outside, we have to know whets going on in their heart. We learn in 2 Samuel that God looks at the heart. God isn't looking for outward expression and inward coldness. God wants our hearts, and if He doesn't have them, then He isn't really interested in whether or not you raise your hands during the singing.

The heart is the most important thing. That being said, what we do with the rest of our body isn't irrelevant. Just saying, 'I'm worshiping God on the inside' isn't going to cut it! I can tell Abi that I love her all day long, but if I never do anything to show that love what good is it? She won't be too impressed if all I ever do is tell her I love her, but I never even give her a hug!

"Our bodies naturally respond to what affects our souls." In other words, there are not a set few things that you must physically do in order to have worshiped. I jump up and down when UK hits the winning shot as time expires, I spread my arms when my nieces and nephews come running in to greet us, I cry when someone we love has a major tragedy in their lives. No one has to teach us how to react to things, it comes naturally. When we are physically expressive in worship, it should be a natural response to what God is speaking into our lives during that time! That means that we won't be physically expressive all the time, and it means that sometimes we will react differently than other times. Like we've said many times, people can tell when you are putting on a show and when you are genuinely worshiping. Don't start trying to be physically expressive in worship just because others are doing it, it needs to be a response that is personal.

Some people are not physically responsive because they are afraid of what others will think of them. If that is you, remember that the only opinion that counts is God's. We are not worshiping to impress anyone, but to bring glory to God. Some people are not physically responsive because their view of worship is that it should be done with 'reverence and awe.' If that is you, remember that while those things are appropriate in worship, don't forget the numerous commands in scripture to celebrate, lift your hands, raise your voice, and dance! Still others are not physically responsive in worship because they do not want to distract others from worshiping God. This is a noble thing, and we never want to draw attention away from God and put it on us, so please be expressive, but do so with consideration of others in mind.

When we gather together to sing, we have to pursue "theological depth and passionate expression." God did not intend these to be separate! We want to worship with both our minds and our hearts. God is worthy of our deepest affection, and our bodies should show it.

Enjoy the Journey