This Sunday as we talked about the “how and why” of worship at actionchurch, I used various “check the box” examples of proper and improper worship from the Bible.
I was ATTEMPTING (and I’m not sure how successfully) to point out that simply going through scripture and copying (or NOT copying) various forms of worship throughout the years does not necessarily cause us to be “worshippers who worship in spirit and truth” as Jesus called us to be. “Checking the Box” on Moses’ instructions to the Israelites about how they should worship, doesn’t mean that God is honored today. “Checking the Box” on the Apostle Paul’s instructions for women not to have distracting hairstyles and Jewelry written to another church…in another time…in another culture, won’t either. Worshiping the One True God goes far beyond checking any box or list. It simply can’t be accomplished by following a checklist of approved words, songs, or actions.
But, we are all “Box Checkers” at heart. Most of us find comfort in guidelines and handbooks to reinforce our confidence that we have “done it right”. So, for all of you Box Checkers (and I count myself in your crowd) Here’s the one Checklist in scripture that I think might actually lead us to true and acceptable worship:
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
- _____ Make Jesus the Commander of your life.
- _____ Be ready to explain your faith story in a gentle and respectful way.
- _____ Live a life above reproach
I think that should about do it…
How many of those boxes can you check in your lifetime?