Worship's Broader Basis - Wei Jun

Picture taken in Bethel Presbyterian Church: Stepping into the colors and lights reflected by the stained glass window, that is the heart of worship.

As children of God, we are called to worship Him everyday of our lives, that is what we are made for. The start of this week realigned my views on worship. Ps. Tan Tiong Ann highlighted three important points with regards to worship: Worship is more than a list of things to do, Worship is inherent in us and Worship is a divine and human encounter.

Looking at worship on a broader basis, differing denominations would have different ways of carrying out their services. While variations exist with regards to the way worship is carried out, who are we to say that one is "on the right track" of worshipping or not? Importantly, we need to worship in accordance to who God is and this should be stemmed from Word. Ultimately, one need to recognize that God is our judge and we were all supposed to be called "one church in Christ". There is no such thing as “THE church” to be in. Rather than a quick pin-point of who is right or wrong, no matter how far we go, our aim as Christians is simply to win hearts for Christ, to see lives being transformed, and this could take forms in different ways. God does not subject to limits and simple demarcations and classifications. So it is important for us not to box God up. Simply put, our identity is found within Christ and the issue of differing interpretation shouldn’t stop us or judge others from worshiping Him.

On a personal basis, the little faith in me sometimes doubt too my encounter with God through worship. I had wondered before if the atmosphere of worship creates that sensation felt in me, that I am perhaps creating my own “experiences” through worship sessions. However, Ps. Tan highlighted the importance of setting apart the functionality of worshipping and simply needing to respond to the experiences created within worship. Importantly, we need to move in accordance to the guidance of the Holy Spirit through the anointing, perhaps given by grace during worship. Worship is not a ritualistic process, but a time where our hearts are touched and moved by God. The act of being moved by God, could then also be termed as an act of worship.

I also acknowledge that it can be difficult to keep my heart purely focused on God during worship at times. Being relatively young to guitar playing, I get easily nervous playing infront of others and especially self-conscious (Of course there would be more skilled players in the crowd. What if I break the momentum of worship? What if I play the wrong note?). Ps Tan further questioned, “what sort of attitude do we have while we worship?” Ultimately, placing the best musician on stage does not necessary equate to the best worship experience (Then, why not go to a concert for a good song?). It is not about how well I can serve (God has the best musicians in heaven, I am certain) but worshipping in accordance to who God is (encompassing and embracing the relationship shared with him through worship). At the end of the day, it is the heart of worship that truly matters.

Wei Jun