15-5

Go All Out

We are meant to go all out in worship. "Worship in heaven is unapologetically passionate and highly demonstrative. The whole multitude worship God, each with their whole heart. Heaven's worship is also physical. John saw the heavenly host fall on their faces before God:
And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God. -Revelation 7:11
And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God. -Revelation 11:16
In heaven, humility is the only possible posture, and the glory of God throws the worshipers to their knees. Everyone is actively involved."

Did you know that "in the Old Testament, the original Hebrew word used most often for worship means to bow down, fall down, humbly beseech, do reverence. The Greek word for worship used most often in the New Testament has a similar meaning: to prostrate oneself in homage, do reverence, to adore." In scriptures, there is no mention of people sitting in pews quietly as they worship God. They get passionately and physically involved! Think about it, "it is simply unnatural to restrain our worship. It's human nature to exude joy and energy. We get visibly exercised over a new car, a good meal, or our favorite movie. When discussing sports, religion, or politics, many of us are very animated; we use our hands to emphasize certain words or phrases. When we speak about a loved one, our eyes light up, we smile; our feet may even bounce as if they're about to break into dance. I don't know anyone who speaks in constant monotone, with no facial expression, hands glued to their sides when talking about something or someone they love. Yet that's how some of us try to worship. Meanwhile the saints in heaven are doing face plants in homage to the King of kings. So why do we hold back? Why so reticent? Why do we settle for lackluster worship?"

Our author suggests several reasons. Our culture has conditioned us to be comfortable and complacent, not actively engaged. From our televisions to our iPads, we are used to sitting back and watching other people do things without actually breaking a sweat ourselves. "Sometimes pride prevents us from fully entering worship. We want to avoid looking foolish, weak, or awkward because it might tarnish our image or damage our reputation." But here is the truth: "Actions always accompany heartfelt convictions. 'The good person out of the good treasure of his hear produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil' (Luke 6:45).

It could be fear of others that keeps us from being fully engaged. "We fear their disapproval, maybe even their scorn." Why do we really care what others think of us when we worship? David didn't care. "Jesus commands us to 'love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' We are to worship the Lord enthusiastically and completely, with everything we've got."

"Bringing God our best worship may mean something different for each of us, depending on personality, temperament, and religious background. For example, if your personality is quiet, laid back, or reserved, bringing god your best worship might mean that you do something overt, like raise your hands or kneel. If you're an extrovert, you might at times want to consider sitting reverently still in God's presence during corporate worship. As you try to discern what it means to bring God your best worship, I humbly offer what I hope are a few helpful suggestions."

Come hungry for God. Walk into church ready to encounter God. Respond to His presence with the worship He deserves.
Come ready to contribute.
Make your praise visible. "If you come ready to contribute, you won't sit back like a bump on a log; you'll automatically engage during worship."

Here are some physical expressions and their purposes:
Standing- appropriate for praying tribute or showing honor
Kneeling/bowing- postures of submission
Raising hands- prayer and worship

How much physical expression is enough? How much is too much?
"Here's a simple guideline: you should exert more energy worshiping God than you do cheering for your favorite sports team, your kid's soccer team, or your favorite band. Even if you're not a sports fan or don't attend rock concerts, I think you get the point. Your countenance and your posture should visibly demonstrate that you mean business when it comes to worshiping God."

Enjoy the Journey