07/22/2009
Author: Gordon Douglas
How can I be a better worshipper? Here is a mental template I use to evaluate my “opportunities for growth” as a worshipper. Am I most like the:
• Scarecrow: I would be a better worshipper “if I only had a brain.”: if I only understood more about God, more about His grace and mercy, more about His people, His creation, etc. (Personal bible study would be a good place to start.)
• Tin Man: I would be a better worshipper “if I only had a heart.”: if I only engaged my will and emotions with God and His people instead of disconnecting, simply going through empty motions and words or substituting head knowledge about theology for a living relationship with God.
• Cowardly Lion: I would be a better worshipper “if I only had the nerve.”: if I only dared to pray out loud, to sing even if I am off key, to join the worship team, to raise my arms, to be free in my expression of worship.
• Dorothy: I would be a better worshipper “if I only had a home.”: if I only settled into a church family, if I became a family member instead of an onlooker, if I shared the responsibility of building a community of worshippers in spirit and in truth.
• Wicked Witch of the West: I would be a better worshipper if I only let go of “my beautiful wickedness.”: if I let go of that secret delicious sin I have been petting and playing with, if I valued God’s pleasure more than my own personal satisfaction with things I know are wrong.
• Wizard of Oz: I would be a better worshipper if I only stopped being “the Great and Terrible FAKE.”; if I stopped putting on a show and became real – warts and all, if I admitted my limitations and became teachable.
• Glinda the good witch: Am I genuinely sincere, available, skillful and knowledgeable, helpful to others yet not bossy?
Of course, this template has it limits and may not describe your condition well. If not, try Star Trek, Les Miserables or Sesame Street. Are you Oscar the Grouch or Cookie Monster? In any event, be honest, be humble and be open to be changed by the Spirit of God. God bless you all.
