THERE IS A trend that has developed over the past few years in the church that is rather alarming…
It is the idea that the assemblies of the church are to be some sort of staged production that produces an emotional high in the people who participate and even in those who observe. We have convinced ourselves that if I leave the building with any feeling other than ecstasy, the assembly has been a failure.
Though I do wholeheartedly agree that the assembly needs to be a place where emotions can surface and sincere praise be offered, I do not believe that the purpose of the assembly is solely to make me “feel good”. Sometimes, I need to feel SAD — sad because my sins caused Christ so much pain and suffering. Sad because my heart sometimes gets a little hard. Sad because there are millions who don’t even know who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for them. Sometimes I need to feel GUILTY — guilty to the point of repentance and confession. Guilty of failing to obey God as I should. Guilty of failing to share the good news with others who need to know it just as desperately as I do.
There is a way to condemn sin strongly and at the same time offer a positive challenge to change. There is a way to be convicted of sin and at the same time rather than be insulted or angry, to feel compelled and challenged to change and grow, but this compulsion and challenge does not come from a pat on the back, but a serious, positive confrontation with God and His Word.
I, as you, pray for more meaningful and spirited assemblies of the church, but in pursuit of this goal, let’s not make the mistake emotional highs with true worship to God. We’re assembled to worship God and to stimulate and admonish one another to new heights — not to watch an actor on the stage or be emotionally manipulated by theatrics. Our emotions need to be stirred by conviction and challenge from God’s Word. (Jimmy Stegall)
KneEmail: “What is the result then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding” (1 Cor. 14:15).