Reading for March 30th: 1 Samuel 13-14 But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 If I can sum up the debate among some of us regarding worship, it is this: Some of us are traditional. Our dress and expression in worship is more formal (though we would describe it as reverent). We believe our dress and demeanor should reflect a sense of awe and wonder as we approach the holy, holy, holy God of heaven. (I more fall into this category, just so you know.) Some of us are non-traditional. We prefer spontaneity and emotion in worship. We do not see casual dress as irreverent. We see it as authentic. Wearing a coat and tie to worship feels pretentious to us. Worship is something we do all week, not just on Sunday. Why should we dress any different at church? And why should we feel inhibited or restrained from expressing the gratitude and devotion we have in our hearts for our God in a demonstrative way? (see 2 Sam 6:20-23) I know theres more to it than this (and maybe Ive done a poor job of defining the two sides) but that is not really what this devotion is about. What I want to say is this: Be careful about judging anothers heart based on appearance alone. Is it true that some are going through the motions and are all about checklists and looking good on the outside, while nothing is going on in their heart? Of course. But be careful! Dont look at the old man wearing the suit and tie and think he doesnt get it because he doesnt outward emotion like you do. There might be more going on in his heart than you think. Is it true that some non-traditionalists are just trying to just make a statement with their casual dress and the emotion they show has no substance to it? Absolutely! But be careful! Dont look at the young man who isnt as dressy as you think he should be and think hes not reverent just because he may show a little too much emotion (in your mind at least). There might be a lot more sincere reverence in his heart than you think. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. (Romans 14:4) Father, help us to focus on You and not others when we come to worship this morning!
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 12:35:12 +0000
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