WORSHIP !

Doing Things Decently and in Order 

Let all things be done decently and in order. — 1 Corinthians 14:40

 

How does God want us to worship Him? This question has been asked by different denominations throughout the centuries.

 

In the church I grew up in, I remember being taught that any other church was in sin and if we participated in their ritual we would be committing sin. We deemed those people "incorrect" because their services weren't conducted "decently and in order" — at least not according to my church's perspective.

 

But over the years, I have come to learn that "decently and in order" can mean different things to different people. What is acceptable to one group may be outrageous and offensive to another group. What is deemed holy, sweet, and touching by one group might be viewed as dead and dull to another. Everyone has their own opinions about what is appropriate or inappropriate in worship.

 

The Body of Christ is composed of too many different groups to list them all here, but here are a few: Catholic, Orthodox Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Lutheran Pentecostal, and Charismatic.

 

It shouldn't surprise us that Christians have differing opinions about the right and wrong way to worship God. It also shouldn't surprise us that most people assume that their form of worship is the most scriptural.

 

So who is right and who is wrong? Is there only one correct form of worship? Could there possibly be room for a variety of different expressions of worship in the Kingdom of God ? And are we ready to honestly ask ourselves, if our opinions about worship are influenced only by the Bible, or are we also influenced by our culture and upbringing? What are the guidelines set forth in Scripture?

 

You may personally believe that praise and worship with instruments, clapping, dancing, and all kinds of celebration is the right approach to worship. Or you may be a person who loves a quieter, more structured form of worship with hymns and organ music. Either way, you may have a host of scriptures to back up your conviction and support your view of what worship ought to be.

 

However, the New Testament basically gives us only one rule to follow in regard to what is acceptable and appropriate in worship. That rule is found in I Corinthians 14:40, where the apostle Paul tells us, "Let all things be done decently and in order."

 

To have an honest heart and walk in it is being decent to me! It carries the notion of something that is done properly as opposed to improperly. It has to do with intent and motivation more than outward action, although such a good intention always results in right actions. So what is the heart motivation?

 

The word "order" means organized and well planned. Nothing should be put together as a last minute show! Worship is neither last minute nor is it a show. We should not gather hastily yet be prepared to worship our King allowing for the Spirit to move and live amongst us.

 

Order also refers to being respectful of others. Wait for people to finish a thought or an action taking your turn in a loving graceful manner. Complying with the atmosphere is another sense of order. You might not like the procedure in the church you visit yet you are subject to their order and respond in a respectful, deferential, courteous, accommodating, as well as being well-mannered, and polite.

 

This throws open the door to all kinds of worship! It can be quiet, loud, soft, or bold. The important thing is that the time of worship would not be something thrown together at the last minute without thought or organization. After all, we're talking about believers coming together to worship the Almighty God! Therefore, when we plan corporate worship, it should be well thought out and organized. Additionally, our time of worship together should be well-mannered, respectful, and polite.

 

A group of believers can be bold, loud, and well mannered all at the same time. They can also be soft and quiet while at the same time rude and offensive. The style, use of instruments, and volume level are not the biggest questions in God's mind. The big question in His mind is this: What is their intent and motivation? If the group's intent and motivation is correct, their worship will be accompanied by an attitude that reflects the character of Jesus Christ.

 

So don't get upset if others worship a little differently from how you are accustomed to worshiping. Jesus is listening to their hearts. He is watching to see how much energy and forethought they put into the plan before they enter into His Presence. Their form of worship may be different than yours, but if they are worshiping God from a pure heart and with their entire being, you can rest assured their worship is acceptable to Him!

 

So where is the punch line, Dianne? The Lord is clearly speaking to me these days as Dick and I visit various churches and denominations. And I believe the truth is that God is more interested in the condition of our heart than the style of worship we use in the format of our church service.

 

PUNCH LINE: So instead of focusing on who has the best form of worship, concentrate on whether YOU have an open, pure heart before God!

 

So Lord we check our hearts this day:

Am I being tolerant and nonjudgmental towards those who worship God differently? I need to realize that as long as they worship Jesus and do it with all their hearts, I am thankful they are your children, worshiping in spirit and in truth.