Recently, I visited another church. I’ve been looking to connect with more people and therefore broaden my circle. Searching online, I found a church that was very similar to my current one’s beliefs and vision. The worship was powerful! The leaders were in tearing and falling to their knees on the stage. Several members were crying out and dancing before the Lord. The presence of God was thick in the sanctuary. I remember thinking to myself, “Man this is so good!” Usually, I keep my eyes closed to prevent distractions. Because of our seating choice, people continuously walked past. So, I opened my eyes to catch a glimpse of my surroundings. To my surprise, several people were seated or standing arms crossed. Was this worship moment not good to them? How could there be two vastly different responses? Let’s dig into these questions more deeply.
This observation suggested a probable assumption. What you do at home shows at church. The church service was never supposed to our only times of encounter with God. Our spirit man cannot survive feeding on the word once a week. The Bible says in John 15 that we are to “abide in me (Jesus)”. I love how the amplified version uses the phrase “remain in me”. We were created to live in constant fellowship with the Lord. Apart from Christ, we wither and become unfruitful.
So, what does it look like to have a lifestyle of worship? The Bible says, “set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God”. Some synonyms for the word set include the words determine, appoint, resolve. We must schedule times to meet with God during the week. Study passages and seek answers applicable to your daily life. God can speak a word in season to you right at your kitchen table. Spend time worshipping in your living room. It’s amazing how God is not bound by space or time. I can not express the number of times the presence of God fell in my living while I watched a previously recorded video on YouTube. Let’s look at chapter 22 in 1 Chronicles. This passage records David instructing Israel and his son, Solomon, on building the temple. He charged them saying “arise and build”. Today, we are the temple of the living God. We build up our temples by spending time in God’s presence daily. In coming to church on Sunday, we can set the atmosphere for a corporate encounter. The worship leader won’t have to hype us up. The pastor will not need to labor in long opening prayers. Instead, our hearts will be hungry to hear what the Lord wants to say in the service.
Please don’t take this as a harsh judgement. Let’s instead use this as a barometer. Does the service seem too long? Do you find yourself saying: “Man, another song?” Are you making a mental list of all the chores waiting at home? These can be indicators that your temple needs some repair. No worries! I’m saying this to you as well as to myself. Let’s purpose to set aside time during the week to spend with God. The Bible says that when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him. The more time we spend with Him daily, the easier it will be to flow in the service.
Be encouraged! 😊
Scripture References: 1 Chron 16:11 (ESV) “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
Psalms 1:2 (NKJV) “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
1 Chron 22:19 (AMP) “Now set your heart and your soul to seek (inquire of, require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy articles and utensils of God into the house built for the Name (Presence) of the Lord.”
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