Which One Am I?
Worship under the best conditions can sometimes be difficult. Distractions, human errors, and sometimes funny situations can occur to take one’s attention away from the Lord. Attitudes, however, can prove to be a major factor in acceptable (or non-acceptable) worship. For instance...
Consider, two men sincerely try to worship. The first man, though, is frustrated throughout. His frustration begins with the opening announcements when the man in charge takes ten minutes to say what any normal man can say in three. Then the song leader adds to his frustrations by selecting a song he’s sure contains an unscriptural phrase. The man who presides at the table doesn’t help when he uses the term “loaf” instead of “bread”, and then the man who is called on to give thanks for the bread, gives thanks for everything but the bread. Even the preacher makes a major contribution by totally misapplying a passage of scripture (“He probably didn’t spend enough time on that one,” the man thinks). When the worship period is finally dismissed, he tries to share his frustrations with those around him, but no one seems to care.
The second man observes many of the mistakes the first man observes. In fact, without fanfare he just doesn’t sing the questionable phrase in the song and he silently thanks God for the bread when he realizes the leader’s failure to do so. Even while observing those mistakes, he focuses attention on the good sentiments of the songs that are used, and on the death of the Savior during the Lord’s supper. He appreciates the good thoughts presented in the lesson. He has come to worship God. He makes allowances for human frailty on the part of the leaders in worship, appreciates their sincere efforts, and refuses to let their mistakes keep him from his purpose.
The first man is to be pitied. His ability to worship is dependent on the ability of the leaders in the worship period. He comes to worship but spends the hour criticizing. He blames others for that which is really his own problem. Consequently, his problem with worship becomes a problem also with his brethren; but one cannot have a problem with his worship and his brethren without also having a problem in his relationship with God.
The second man, by maintaining a positive attitude toward his brethren, even when they make mistakes, is able to worship acceptably and is drawn closer to God by his worship.
We are not condoning sloppily conducted worship periods. We each should strive to bring our best before God. Yes, leaders in worship should seek to avoid mistakes and to do their work effectively. But acceptable worship depends far more on the heart and attitude of the worshipper than on the abilities of leaders. Our first man may point the finger at others, but his real need is a total change of attitude within himself.
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