What some of the most popular leaders in Christendom describe as “worship at its best” is a far cry from the true worship found in the Bible. For example, the leader of one of the the largest churches in America said the following concerning one of the largest Christian mega events in the United States this year:
“It is more than a conference,” … “It’s a festival. It’s a celebration. It’s a commitment to the American spirit, that no matter what we go through, no matter how tough, no matter how dark the night, somehow we always land on our feet. And when we do, in spite of how difficult, we should take the time to celebrate the momentous occasion, and to enjoy the festival and fellowship. Because when we start to say thank you and to enjoy the moments, then that is worship at its best” (Source Link)
Let us dissect this statement on “worship at its best::
(1) “It’s a commitment to the American spirit”. Worship is not a commitment to the culture and “spirit” of a nation. Rather worship is a commitment to walking in the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) and in Truth. The American spirit does not equal truth, nor does it agree with the Holy Spirit. It represents the culture of America. This culture includes some wholesome Judeo-Christian elements but is also wrought with immorality, greed, selfishness, divorce, ungodly entertainment and so on. In fact, America’s culture most recently has been drifting away from Judeo-Christian values. Therefore, true worship could never be equated with the commitment to the American spirit. Rather, committing to the American spirit can open the door to worldliness. Worldliness is exactly what has been prevalent at the above mentioned mega event. Among the guest teachers at the event was a well-known talk show host who claims that Jesus Christ is not the only way to God; the talk show host also propagates New Age ideas, but is invited to speak to millions of Christians about “life issues”. The entertainment at the event included secular music and media artists that promote all types of immorality; just take a look at some of the lineup here. The Bible clearly teaches us not to love the things of the world, not to be a friend of the world, and to be separate from the world (I John 2:15; James 4:4; 2 Corinthians 6:17 ).
(2) “Because when we start to say thank you and to enjoy the moments, then that is worship at its best”.
While saying thank you to God and rejoicing in His goodness is a part of worship, I question what is being enjoyed. If we are simply celebrating the American spirit with the ups and downs we go through in daily life as Americans, then there needs to be repentance, and mourning for some of the difficult times. America and Americans have many hardships because of sin. James said let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to heaviness (James 4:8-10). With the rampant increase of immorality and the embracing of the homosexual agenda by our governmental leaders, we need to mourn for America. God looks to the man that is of a contrite spirit (Isaiah 66:2); He seeks such to worship Him.
Worship is at its best when our lives are dedicated to walking in the Spirit and living by the truth. God is glorified when we are dedicated in heart and actions to live for Him. This means a growing relationship with Christ through studying His Word, and seeking His face in prayer. This means obedience to the teachings of the Word of God. This means being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our daily walk.
In Nehemiah chapter 8, we see a mega gathering. They did worship and celebrate God with rejoicing; even declaring “for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:1-10). But this rejoicing sprang out of a restoration to hearing, learning and applying the word of God. A second gathering with Ezra was for repentance from unlawful “mixing” with the foreign nations (Ezra 9:5-15 and Ezra 10:1-15). Ezra understood that worship is not only lip service, but with heart-held honor for God (Isaiah 29:13). True worship springs out of a commitment to the Word of God, and to the Spirit of God.
The days of whacky worship are over. Jesus said, now is the hour when true worshippers will worship the Father God in Spirit and in Truth. Let us enter into true worship. No More Whacky Worship. #whackyworship
Leave a Reply