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Where is the Reverence in Our Worship?

ByPastor Wynn

These thoughts are not to be critical of any church or choir.  However, I have been contemplating on why so many church services seem to have so little recognition of the glory and greatness of God.  Where is the reverence and respect of our worship?  A look at many churches and their choirs will reveal a lowered view of who God is.

Take a look at the some of the choirs of our day.  There is a casualness about their singing…almost an indifference.  The choir members are looking around, looking down at the music, shuffling their feet, etc..  Of course, they are also dressed casually.  While these matters may not be an indication of one’s spiritualness, I believe it does present an indifferent attitude toward God.  Choir members are placed before the church as leaders in the service.  They should present music that should be practiced and a part of their worship.  Yet, too many churches today have choirs that appear to be nothing more than a bunch of folk who decided to “gather round the piano and sing.”

Many years ago, it was my privilege to be a part of a 140-voice choir.  The choir met each Thursday night from 7:00pm-10:00pm for choir practice.  Not only were the notes rehearsed, but the lyrics of the song were reviewed and rehearsed. Each choir practice was a special time of worship itself.  It was a time that each choir member looked forward to.  Thus, when the song was delivered in the Sunday service, it was delivered from the hearts of the choir members.  It was a song of meaningful worship and inspiration.  The music magnified the Lord, stirred the heart of the hearers, and challenged the believer to greater service.

Where is the reverence and respect of our worship?  The laid-back casual approach, that is embraced by many churches of our day, has produced lifeless performances.  Oh yes, the crowd may be stirred by the musical rhythm, or carnally inspired by the man-centered lyrics, but true adoration and worship of the Savior has been lost.  Spiritual life is not engendered by the man-centered theology of much of the modern music.  However, spiritual life is enflamed when God is the center of man’s worship and adoration.  Yet, this is being lost in many churches of our day.  As a result, the Holy and Righteous God, is relegated to the position of a “Good-Ole’ Boy,” who is on the same level as a personal butler.  To many professing believers today, God’s purpose is to love them, help them, provide for them, take care of them, and keep them happy.  Listen to the words of the songs, and notice the excessive usage of personal pronouns.  While it is biblical and spiritual to praise the Lord for His goodness to me, it should not be to the exclusion of His greatness and glory.

If the reverential worship of God is the regular fare of the local church, the believers will be edified and have a more proper understanding of who God is.  They are more likely to see Him as Holy, Righteous, Omnipotent, Omniscient and Just.  Yes, they will also see Him as loving, but it will not be the only attribute of God that is focused upon.

I remember the earlier days of my youth and young adulthood.  When attending services, conferences or other meetings, the music was always reverent, dynamic and inspiring.  The choirs would fill the loft with robed singers, who had practiced and prepared their music.  The lyrics had burned their way into the souls of the singers.  The instruments would begin their introduction, and the choir would lift their voices with magnificent songs of worship, adoration and glory to the Savior.  No, I do not believe the robes where spiritual requirements, and neither do I believe they must be used. (Our church choir does not use robes).  However, a proper and respectful appearance of the choir members makes a difference.  No one member’s dress will distract one’s attention from the music and message.  My point is this. . .The presentation of the music communicated a respect and reverence for God.

Yes, there are still great choirs and church music today.  However, they are not among the majority.  Sadly, Satan has been very effective in selling his message of compromise to churches today.

These are just some thoughts of mine, for what they are worth.  I would be interested in hearing your comments.  Thanks for reading these thoughts.

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33 Comments

  1. Great article. Is it any wonder why many times when new guests come to these churches and see the lack of reverence in the choir, that they have no desire to come back. Could this be why some churches will hire a worship leader or worship team to generate some excitement.

    God Bless,
    Bryan

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