婦人說:先生,我看出你是先知。我們的祖宗在這山上禮拜,你們倒說,應當禮拜的地方是在耶路撒冷。耶穌說:婦人,你當信我。時候將到,你們拜父,也不在這山上,也不在耶路撒冷。你們所拜的,你們不知道;我們所拜的,我們知道,因為救恩是從猶太人出來的。
時候將到,如今就是了,那真正拜父的,要用心靈和誠實拜他,因為父要這樣的人拜他。神是個靈(或無個字),所以拜他的必須用心靈和誠實拜他。(約翰福音 第四章 19-24)
In John 4:23, 24, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well that we must worship God “in spirit and in truth”. When it’s time for the praise and worship part of service there seems to be too many of us that don’t seem to understand exactly what ‘in spirit and in truth’ really means.
There are some people who respond only when a certain song is being played, some who spend most of their time clapping or reacting uncontrollably and looking around to see what others are doing (or if anyone is looking at them).
Things are exacerbated even more so when you have the worship “leader” who wants to be the ‘next big thing’, more concerned with how great he/she sounds, and how many people they can get to roll around in the aisles, or respond in some other emotionalistic manner.
What is emotionalism?
Emotionalism, in the church, is a reaction that is based on a human sentiment or feeling. It is devoid of true worship and holds no real sustaining substance. In the course of this article it is important to note that there is stark differentiation in ‘emotionalism’ versus emotions that stem from true worship.
How many of us, before we were saved of course, would go to the night club to hang out. We would mingle with our friends and people watch, but when that certain song came on, we all ran to the dance floor. That song was the joint! We were full of unbridled emotion, jamming to the beat.
When the song went off, we were back to mingling and people watching, and by the end of the night could hardly even remember that experience when the song was played. Now fast forward to our present-day ‘saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost’ lives.
We hear one of our favorite Christian songs that have just the right beat or melody, and we react. Some react by clapping wildly, dancing, and falling out in the aisles during upbeat songs. While, when a slower song with a nice melody is played, some might react by crying and/or hugging someone.
The reactions might vary widely, but all fall under the category of emotionalism when not done ‘in spirit and in truth’. After the service is over, we go about our lives no different than before, but momentarily relishing that feel-good moment that we had.
The emotionalistic characteristics from the reactions at the night club and at the church are no different, aside from the fact that now, presumably, you are saved.
What is true worship?
At this juncture would be a great opportunity to point out that emotion in worship is a great thing. During praise and worship we should experience many different feelings: awe, contriteness, conviction, gratefulness, joy, love, peace, etc. But the stark difference from emotionalism is that these feelings should come from true worship to God and not just an on-the-surface reaction to a stimulus other than God.
True worship is emotion and reverence to God derived from knowledge of Him, and relationship with Him.
It is a deeply emotional connection with God that is developed through sound doctrinal training, study of His Word, and a genuine walk with Him. In true worship our emotion is a direct response to our cognitive (intellectually aware) acknowledgment of God and gratefulness for His works in us and in all the earth. When we are at the place of true worship we are not reacting to the beat and rhythm of the music… but rather we are reacting to the rhythm and beat of God’s very heart.
When I think of true worship I think of David, perhaps the greatest worshipper of God in the Bible. As I read through the Psalms, David’s desire and passion for God pours out of the pages. As true worshippers we are to have that same zeal and desire for God. We must be like the “deer that panteth for the water” (Psalm 42:1)…longing for God…to please, glorify, and serve Him!
How do I become a true worhipper?
We become true worshippers by learning of God. By absorbing ourselves into His Holy Word. There is so much richness in the Bible, and as we read and digest the Word we began to develop a heart that seeks to honor and please God. We learn how we are to live on a daily basis, and how to deal with the various situations that confronts us.
Not only are we to be hearers of the Word, but more importantly, we are to be doers of the Word (James 1:22-24). Being doers of the Word means treating others with love. It means having a healthy prayer life and constantly seeking to do more for God, to be nearer to Him, and to live a life that is Christ-centered.
When we reach the place of true worship we encounter the very presence of God, and He hears our hearts. In that moment He breathes on us… and into us…refreshing us…loving us…revealing to us…strengthening us. In this realm the experience of worship is sustaining, edifying, and truly life-defining.
The goal of ‘praise & worship leaders’ should not be to impress the congregation with vocal and musical prowess. Rather, the only goal and purpose should be to send up a sweet savory praise that is pleasing to the nostrils of God…ushering in His very presence.
True worship opens up the door for the divine to happen. Chains are broken, bodies are healed, people are delivered, and souls are saved in this atmosphere.
In summary, emotionalism is worship WITHOUT worship to God. Whereas, true worship is liberating and pleasing to God. The Bible tells us that He inhabits our praise (Psalm 22:3). Let us glorify God and seek to be true worshippers. When this happens I promise you that your life will never be the same!