Worship that Offends God?



photo courtesy of T. Getz

I began this blog somewhat in honor of my BFFBing in New Zealand. I read her blogs daily & enjoyed having a window into her life so far away! Her notes were a glimpse into what she was doing & feeling while down there and how God was working in AND through her :) I believe that self-reflection is like most things - best if not overdone. So, I'll attempt to reflect in my blogs through this site.

First Off... About me: If I had to choose ONE thing over anything as being of most importance to me, it would be my relationship with God (the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit). That relationship is the basis of all my decisions, my dreams, my plans, my actions, etc. My relationship to God as His child is what guides me in my choices for all aspects of my life. It truly is what I hold most dear.

With that said... WORSHIP THAT OFFENDS GOD?

Today my mind is pondering the whole WORSHIP question. The question that recently seems to be pelting God's church, the Body of Christ. There's so much turmoil today in the Body of Christ about what is & isn't worship. Just yesterday, when posed with the question, "Churches are often painfully irrelevant... Your thoughts?", a friend "tweeted" the reply, "People in a church are relevant. The culture within a church can be irrelevant if we can't relate to it. (i.e. choral music)". My attention was caught immediately - being a member of that friend's church choir. I thought about the question and the reply.

What is and isn't worshipful in God's eyes? Is it dependent upon styles of music? Has it changed for God as our cultures have changed over the centuries? The essence of worship is to ascribe worth to God -- to show Him through our thoughts & actions that we value Him above everything else. Is it the same for everyone? Is there a right or wrong way to worship Him? Does someone's worship offend God? Does the song sung by a talented vocalist reach the ears & the heart of God better or quicker than that of an aged saint with a wavering voice? Does God really like those old, slow songs full of "ancient" history or would He prefer a joyous, energy-filled current song? Is He tired of the choir now? Does He like the beating of drums & the sound of guitars? And, what in the world does He think of those "sacred dancers"? So many questions.

As I process all the thoughts about WORSHIP that are flooding my mind & heart today, I find it hard not to believe that God is blessed by ALL types of worship, when offered up to Him in true sincerity, love & adoration. 

Scripture for the Day: "But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship Him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23 & 24

Adding on 1-28-16...