Irenaeus (c. 180) wrote, "The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God." In my workshops I seek to reorient our worship philosophy from resting on the power of music to being secured in the power of the Word of God. I am always amazed at how quickly we fall into formulas and tricks to do what only God can do - transform lives.
It is dangerous to think that we can "perfectly" worship God. It is misleading to pursue a flawless worship service when only Jesus can be our Great High Priest (see Hebrews) and lead us in holy worship by His eternal sacrifice. The reason pastors, worship leaders, and congregations are frustrated is that we're trying to use worship music as a church growth tool instead of as the corporate celebration of God's abiding presence with us.
There is a place for "performance" in the church that blesses people presentationally. I am concerned, however, that we are denying entire churches the opportunity to lift their hearts in song with God as the central vision instead of as the convenient occasion to showcase our talents. It is only as we behold Him "high and lifted up" with the train of His glory filling the temple (Isaiah 6) that we are changed by the sight.
Irenaeus was right. God is glorified when we come fully alive to Him. It is only when we see Him in authentic, engaged worship that we are changed (2 Cor. 3:17-18). Besides, as J. Michael Walters said, "If no one in the congregation is singing, it doesn't matter how good the worship band is" (Can't Wait for Sunday, Wesleyan Publishing House, p. 134).
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It's a tough balancing act isn't it? We want to pursue excellence because we want to give our Father the very best we have to offer. I constantly remind myself, however, that God is able to take any offering that is given with the right motive of heart and make it miraculous. (The loaves and fishes for example.) It is the motive that matters! Technically flawless delivery without the right motives will be a stench in His nostrils. Thanks for the great reminder that God desires more than anything to have an umbilical connection to each of us, and THAT is what is worth pursuing!
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