Worship
For alot of folks their knowledge of spirituality, religion, and thinking that they know God's will (and what's good for you) comes from a highly edited book (most of which was left on the editors cutting-room floor) and it is their perception, interpretation, and opinion of what they read rather than facts that drive them.
This is one of the reasons I don't see myself ever visiting a church again. My ideals, and what I want from worship are at odds with alot of them, not that I believe something drastically different but because I don't do it their way. And that makes me a rebelious person in their eyes. I'm called a backslider, and a 'double minded man unstable in all his ways'. So, rather than be skewered and basted, turned slow over the fire of people's opinion of what they think is right, I prefer to stay shy of the congregation of believers.
In my experience, worshipping God is a very sacred act, and it should not be entered into lightly. I do not believe you can bring yourself into God's presence every Sunday with a formula of let's all stand and sing, hold hands and cry a little, sit down and listen to the announcements, and 20 minutes of some pastor telling you whats what. Then end it all with an altar call and singing and go home and watch the football game.
Sorry, I don't buy it.
Personally, I do not utter a word in God's direction without knowing my own motive. I don't often sing to God unless inspired to do so. And I don't go out into the public to pray. Personal experience with God doesn't require the interraction and opinions of others. If we consider ourselves to be spiritual beings, followers of God, then in our heart and our inward parts we should know and want what is right, pure, noble, and speak those things and do those things - without having to endure behavior modification in a public setting, dressing a certain way, singing silly songs, or being called by a particular denominational title.
Worship is the most intimate act we perform as humans (yep, even beyond sex) and it is not a game. It's not fun-time with the Almighty. Your pride and ego have no place in it. Getting one on one with the Creator of all things it would be best to realize the scope and magnitude of who you're trying to talk to, how small you really are in comparison, and start there every time. Then I bet your worship of God takes on a different flavor.
Chris
This is one of the reasons I don't see myself ever visiting a church again. My ideals, and what I want from worship are at odds with alot of them, not that I believe something drastically different but because I don't do it their way. And that makes me a rebelious person in their eyes. I'm called a backslider, and a 'double minded man unstable in all his ways'. So, rather than be skewered and basted, turned slow over the fire of people's opinion of what they think is right, I prefer to stay shy of the congregation of believers.
In my experience, worshipping God is a very sacred act, and it should not be entered into lightly. I do not believe you can bring yourself into God's presence every Sunday with a formula of let's all stand and sing, hold hands and cry a little, sit down and listen to the announcements, and 20 minutes of some pastor telling you whats what. Then end it all with an altar call and singing and go home and watch the football game.
Sorry, I don't buy it.
Personally, I do not utter a word in God's direction without knowing my own motive. I don't often sing to God unless inspired to do so. And I don't go out into the public to pray. Personal experience with God doesn't require the interraction and opinions of others. If we consider ourselves to be spiritual beings, followers of God, then in our heart and our inward parts we should know and want what is right, pure, noble, and speak those things and do those things - without having to endure behavior modification in a public setting, dressing a certain way, singing silly songs, or being called by a particular denominational title.
Worship is the most intimate act we perform as humans (yep, even beyond sex) and it is not a game. It's not fun-time with the Almighty. Your pride and ego have no place in it. Getting one on one with the Creator of all things it would be best to realize the scope and magnitude of who you're trying to talk to, how small you really are in comparison, and start there every time. Then I bet your worship of God takes on a different flavor.
Chris
posted by Chris at
6:46 AM
1 Comments:
I've read this a few times now and I must say that I find it seriously encouraging. Serious, sober, candid. Encouraging, thought provoking, deepening, and oddly reverent.
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