We do a lot around here. Volunteers are always buzzing around this place, and even more are actively engaged in their own ministry all around the community.
But nothing is more important than worship. And no week is more significant than Holy Week.
This week we gather to hear the story of faith -- the whole story, not just part of it. Not just the good stuff, but the tough stuff, too. We hear about brokenness and wrong decisions and terribly painful sin and separation. Then, on Easter, we hear about new beginnings and second chances and another lease on life. We hear it all. And we worship a God who wants to tell us the whole truth, the whole story. Not just part of it.
I've met plenty of folks who have given up on worship. They don't get anything out of it, or they feel they can worship while kayaking on a lake better than singing old hymns in a stodgy church. I get it ... sort of.
Here's the problem: God didn't ask us to worship for his sake, but for ours. He invites us to step away from our consumer mentality and consider that worship isn't about us or our preferences. Worship reminds us that Christianity isn't a solo sport, a one person band. Worship is about being in community with God and with God's people. And when we decide that we don't need the church, we're effectively eliminating half of our faith ... which means half of the story.
Who wants to hear and know only half the story?
A lot of folks are struggling with the discipline of regular worship. If that's you, may I invite you to give it another chance? As you do, ask God to give you the blessing of proper focus -- a focus on God. Ask God to remove your worries and opinions and all those things that get in the way of true worship. And set your heart on a spirit of gladness, that your worship might reflect the beauty of Psalm 100: "Shout to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, and come before him with joyful song. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise, for the Lord is good and his mercy extends forever; his mercy endures for all generations.
I look forward to seeing you in worship, friends. Happy Easter!
