Worship of God is a funny thing. People get really concerned about how other people do it.
For many of us, when we encounter someone worshiping the Lord in a way that is new to us, rather than deeming it “new,” “exciting,” or “encouraging,” we simply see it as “odd.” I know I’ve said things in the past like “I suppose you can worship God that way, but it’s not necessary.”
Imagine if your wife came to you and said, “You know, I know you really like it when I show you my love by cooking your favorite meal – the steak, the potatoes, the sweet corn on the cob, the garlic toast, and the brownies a la mode, but it isn’t really necessary. I really think we should just have cold meat sandwiches all the time.”
Imagine if, when you were a kid, your parents said, “You know, son, I know you love it when we go all out at Christmas and get you the new computer, bicycle, and all sorts of other fun things, but, it’s really not necessary. We’re just going to stick to socks this year. It’s not about the gifts.”
I don’t know about you, but it sure seems to me that rather than worry about how another person is getting excited about the love of the Father we sure could be asking God to reveal more of Himself to us. Besides, would we rather see a young man or woman moshing it up at a Black Sabbath concert cutting him or herself or would we love to see them pogo-ing in the name of Jesus? Or prostrate before the Lord? Or dancing like David danced (when he also was despised by another)? Or speaking in some “odd” language, that we may or may not be sure of, but for that individual it is a journey of faith in God?
Why do we get so “concerned” about such things? I know, I know, they may not be necessary, but, really… Is it such a bad thing?
Besides, all God really asks of us is that we love Him. With ALL of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. We are blessed to be living sacrifices, worshiping Him with ALL that we are, ALL that we have, and ALL that we know.
What joy floods my soul!! And how that works its way out physically may just be a mystery to many, but may it always be a fragrant offering of love to my Daddy.