Attitude Toward Worship

Devotions for May 31, 2007

Proverbs 31
1 Corinthians 11
I Stand Amazed by Chris Tomlin

Scripture
"If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God." (1 Corinthians 11:16)

Observation
Paul begins a section on public worship. It seems that the real point of Paul's teaching here is about attitude in worship. He writes about covering your head if you are a woman and not covering it if you are a man. He writes about the authority of God. He writes about what he hears is happening when the Corinthians sit down at the Lord's Table.

The Corinthians are more interested in doing whatever they want to do in worship. They don't consider anyone else. Because of this attitude in worship it is causing some to not be able to worship and others not to even follow Jesus. In essence Paul is teaching that it is not about you. It's about making sure that everyone who wants to worship God can do so.

Application
I wonder how many times people in the church create barriers for others to worship God? When do we put our own created expectations into our worship that just keeps others out? We do it when we use language that is only familiar to us. We do it when we use music that is outdated and has nothing to do with authenticity. We do it when we make it about us.

The Church is the one organization that was created for those outside its membership, but we bring an attitude in worship that it is all about me. At Charter Oak Church we seek to create an openness to the moving of the Holy Spirit as we turn our full attention to God in all we do and say. Yes, we all bring our expectations, but I hope that we ultimately bring an attitude to worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords and nothing else and no one else. He is on the throne and we are not.

Prayer
Almighty God, forgive us when we choose to make worship about us. Forgive us when we put our expectations and wants above you. It's all about you God. We worship you for who you are.

I pray that we will authentically worship you all of the time, not just on weekends. Give us hearts that hunger and thirst after an intimate relationship with you through Jesus. God, I love you. I praise you. I glorify your holy name. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen.