Day 8 of the 40 Days of Purpose

“Planned for God’s Pleasure”

Bringing pleasure to God is called worship. “Worship is far more than music.” This statement alone is enough to get the attention this chapter deserves from the members of our a cappella heritage. But be careful, music includes four-part-harmony, as well! Worship is not about how we sing, with or without instruments. It is not about traditional or contemporary services. It is not about style or taste; it is about living a life pleasing to God, not just in the assembly, but in every aspect of our lives. And when we come together to please God with congregational praise, it should not be about me and my choice of worship experience. Our first priority in the worship assembly should be about making God happy, not about making me happy. Then applying the basic principles of the Christian life, like the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” or Philippians 2:1-4:

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, {2} then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. {3} Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. {4} Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil 2:1-4 NIV)

Our second priority should be to have a worship assembly that best serves the needs of others, rather than one that pleases me. When you apply these two priorities, which incidentally fit the two greatest commands:

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' {38} This is the first and greatest commandment. {39} And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Mat 22:37-39 NIV)

You come to the worship assembly not trying to please yourself, but trying to please God and serve your fellowman. How would our worship assemblies change if we really applied these two priorities every Sunday?

David