The Return

I have been “bugged”, A.K.A. repeatedly and wholeheartedly encouraged to start blogging again. For a long while, I debated whether or not this was something which was profitable, and really, for about two years saw no apparent need for it, and quite honestly, desired to out the time into other relationships with people on my wing, in part as an RA, and in part just as a shepherd. After much thought (and serious thought, I might add), I have decided to return to the blogsphere (of which I do not know its current official, or unofficial title) in hopes of not sharing a journal, but rather a conglomoration of thoughts which will prayerfully and hopefully challenge and encourage the hearts of the saints through my own meanderings.

I’ve decided to post, in the event of such a monumentous occasion, on something which I am told has “irked” several people because of my position on the issue, but still think that it is something worth dwelling on. As an individual who is in the midst of a music setting in multiple facets of life, it has been interesting to note the remarks and comments of believers and unbelievers alike regarding the state of music in the Church today. Overall, unbelievers typically find that the music of the Church is boring, poorly played, and generally disgusting. Believers would find it interesting, incredibly, and quite comfortable to stay in their “box” of “Christian Music”, also comfortable to complain and babble incessantly about that which is seemingly not an issue for even unbelievers.

I have heard numerous times over the course of the past months that “The problem with worship in the church is…..” or, “The problem with worship in the church is….”, each person having a different opinion on what the problem with worship in the church actually is, each having something to do with musical issues, preferential personality conflicts (or disorders, whichever you prefer), or something else significantly petty in the light of Eternity. Never once have I heard what I would say Scripture defines as the problem with “worship in the church” (Rom. 1, Jer. 17, Col. 1-3, etc.). The American Evangelical population continues to argue and bicker about the arguments that continue regarding what the root of this great issue is, when in fact, we have already identified it, and yet failed to realize, and even further, deal with it. It may be better phrased: “The problem with worship in the church is.” Period. It is a problem. Confused?

Most Americans, when expressing concern or frustration with “worship” in the church, refer to the music or the style of music which is played during any given gathering, and not to the title itself. This, in fact, is the problem. We, as believers, are far too content with worshiping [DEF: giving adoration and worth to someone based upon their merit] ourselves; this is a problem inherently, because we have done nothing to justify or obtain merit. Nothing. We have grown to a state of truly perceivably contentment in sitting in our perfectly concocted notion of a climate-controlled corporate encouragement and sacrifice of praise [the Church] on a weekly basis and become outraged at anything that would disrupt that ideal. We have neglected to deal with the problem when we have already not only identified it, but encouraged it, and I fear for our nation who identifies worship of ourselves as the commanded ascription of this total worth to our Savior.

The problem with “worship” is not worship. The problem with worship is the worshiper.

I would venture to say that there is more on this to be said, but I would also say that is quite enough for the moment. Yes, I have decided to return to the world of blogging.

**EDIT** I have thought it helpful to concisely add that when the heart of the individual worshiper is brought into subjection and complete worship before the Lord of HIMSELF, then other things come into perspective, and it is made feasible to ascribe worth not to ourselves, but to the Lord God, ultimately apart from the surrounding circumstances, whate’er they may be. (This does not excuse distractions in worship, but rather, provides the means to overcome them at their perhaps most root issue).