More on Worship

Here is some more from N.T. Wright and his book "For All God's Worth" for us to consider:

"It is right, therefore, that from time to time the church should take stock of that which is most central, most important, most vital in our common life together. Though we sing with the tongues of men and of angels, if we are not truly worshipping the living God, we are noisy gongs and clanging cymbals. Though we organize the liturgy most beautifully, if it does not enable us to worship the living God, we are mere ballet-dancers. Though we repave the floor and reface the stonework, though we balance our budgets and attract all the tourists, if we are not worshipping God, we are nothing.

Worship is humble and glad; worship forgets itself in remembering God; worship celebrates the truth as God's truth, not its own. True worship doesn't put on a show or make a fuss; true worship isn't forced, isn't half-hearted, doesn't keep looking at its watch, doesn't worry what the person in the next pew may be doing. True worship is open to God, adoring God, waiting for God, trusting God even in the dark.

Worship will never end; whether there be buildings, they will crumble; whether there be committees, they will fall asleep; whether there be budgets, they will add up to nothing. For we build for the present age; we discuss for the present age, and we pay for the present age, but when the age to come is here, the present age will be done away. For now we see the beauty of God through a glass, darkly, but then face to face; now we appreciate only part, but then we shall affirm and appreciate God, even as the living God has affirmed and appreciated us. So now our tasks are worship, mission and management, these three; but the greatest of these is worship.

And do you see why its so easy to create that pastiche of 1 Corinthians 13, substituting 'worship' for 'love'? Worship is nothing more or less than love on its knees before the beloved; mission is love on its feet to serve the beloved - and just as the Eucharist, as the climax of worship, is love embracing the beloved and so being strengthened for service."

I know how the message of this section impacts me and wonder how it impacts others. We should not lose sight of the fact that our lives need to be lived in worship and in wonder of this great God of ours but it is easy to become distracted and miss out on the wonders of the relationship God wants to have with us.

Be encouraged!

Until next time...