True Worship

From the sidelines, the many ways of worship can seem confusing. It can take so many different forms in different places; even  if you confine your interest to followers of Jesus Christ, its practice can vary so greatly from church to church, sometimes it seems like they have very little in common.

 Going by first impression from an outsider, attributes noticed in a first visit to a Catholic church is a predominate feeling of reverence, of God's holiness, awe at a powerful, remote God best approached through a priest. A stranger might mistake their many beautiful statues as points of worship. The atmosphere might feel heavy, quiet, somber.

A stranger in a Charismatic church might at first think he had stumbled into a rock concert; the very walls seem to vibrate with joyful noise. He may see people dancing or cheering like they would for a favorite football team. Eagerly members rush to greet and embrace newcomers and envelop them in loving arms. Joy, maybe a frenzy of happiness, sound, and music surround you. It might occur to a first-time visitor that no one there suffers from normal life's problems, or at least they left those concerns at home.

An Evangelical church at worship may seem sober, serious, emphasizing good works, centering around Bible study, worship in music, and seeming to use any opportunity to explain their faith: their mandate is to "leave no one behind on judgment day", by boldly proclaiming their faith. Yet some seem almost to doze, or check their wristwatches as if eager to get on with their after-church day.

In my Grandmother's day, there was little apparent joy in Christian life; there were duty and responsibility and work. Sunday was a holy day limited to worship, rest and family. No domino or card games on the Sabbath. No commerce done on the holy day. Church congregations took responsibility to censure or even ban a member perceived to be unrepentant of his unholy behavior. She summed it up once to my mother, "You weren't put here to have fun." The grace in her life was centered in music. She played piano during the Sunday School hour and raised five of her seven children;  two of them became musicians and two singers; one of the singers became a preacher.

Our cultural background may draw us to a particular one of these congregations, and true worship can be found anywhere God's people get together in mutual support, love and worship as they understand the Bible directs the church. God expects any true church to hold itself accountable to encourage and support each other, learning His ways and growing in His likeness.

Spoiler alert: Some congregations rebelled so vigorously at the harsh demeanor experienced in the past that they formed groups out there who profess love without accountability; they refuse to burden their members by labeling their unworthy behavior as sin. If a church tells you "a loving God won't send anyone to Hell", run, do not walk to the exit! Didn't the serpent tell Eve, "Surely, you will not die"? I don't understand it, but I know the Bible teaches there are two possible destinations ultimately; I trust in God's infallible justice and His unfathomable love.

We must look beyond the cultural differences between these forms of worship; it's imperative we look instead at the basis of faith we share. True worship of the one true God should in some measure have all the attributes mentioned above. Even though no single Bible-based church has all the facts, all share a common core value system.

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  Matthew 24:24

Perspective

Whether or not we have ever read the Bible, several parables Jesus told His followers have made their way into general knowledge and are familiar to most of us. Vaguely recalling the gist of the stories, we may pigeon-hole them along with fables such as the ant and grasshopper, the race of rabbit and turtle, the prodigal son, the wise man who built his house on the rock vs. the fool who built on sand, the wise pig who built his house out of bricks, the rich man and Lazarus. (What's wrong with this sentence?)

Jesus used every-day circumstances in the lives of His followers to resonate with their hearts so they would understand deep spiritual truths. His followers today can also see and benefit from these many parables. But there's more to be found. . . .

Looking back over eighty plus years of my personal story, I now can see many lessons God has lovingly imbedded in my daily life that were not readily visible when I was preoccupied with my own reactions to my situation. There are those who say God shouldn't be expected to oversee every little detail of our lives, but if He takes the time (he owns time anyway) to note when a sparrow falls, it's no chore for Him to insert spiritual truths into tiny corners of His beloved children's lives every  day. Like golden Easter eggs nestled in the fertile heart of one listening for His voice, seeking guidance. Like personal parables, just for me!

That's the origin of these writings I call Parables, Proverbs and Pearls.

Each of you dear Readers can look within and find little love notes from our Holy Father, left just for you. I pray you will watch as you go about your day and find new treasures for your heart.