Meditation
SUBSTANTIVE WORSHIP Dr. Joseph Stowell
WE … WORSHIP BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Philippians 3:3
In congregations across our land, we see an increasing multiplicity of worship styles. Younger generations relate to music and worship styles that differ from what earlier generations are accustomed to. Our temptation is to attach spiritual meaning to styles and to forget that the substance of worship, not the style, is what interests God.
I doubt if it makes much difference to God whether the choir sways or herald trumpets play from the balconies of a cathedral. What He cares about is that we worship “in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23).
He cares that we honor Him with our hearts. To hypocritical religious worshipers Jesus said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8). He cares that we worship with thankfulness, good deeds, and a generous spirit.
In fact, He compares this kind of worship to the bringing of a pleasing sacrifice before Him (Hebrews 13:15-16). And He inhabits the praises of His people–not just the kind of praises we prefer (Psalm 22:3 KJV).
The real issue is not whether or not we like a particular kind of worship. The real issue is whether our Lord is pleased with our worship.
True worshipers prepare their hearts to worship purely, free from pettiness and self-absorption. Generation Xers shouldn’t write off more traditional worship styles. Nor should we old-timers dismiss the newer forms. Substance is the issue. Worship should be measured by its conformity to the truth and to the spirit in which it is done.
Worship needs to fit God’s preferences, not our own. Worship that is engaged in to please ourselves, parade our gifts, or impress other worshipers focuses on the created, not the Creator.
As you worship, God measures your heart, listening for resounding echoes of sincerity and truth to fill His throne room so that His pleasure might be full.