Multi-ethnic Worship [What Does God Desire?] pt. 2

God desires the worship of the heart. The Bible is largely silent when it comes to appropriate forms of worship. What instruments are appropriate or not appropriate? How long should a service last? Should we use powerpoint or hymnals? What should the preaching style be? Should we sit in pews, in chairs, or on the floor?

In fact, when Jesus was questioned by the Samaritan woman at the well about the form of worship, He chose to redirect the conversation. Instead, Jesus said that God is seeking worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. Romans 12 links worship with heart issues such as surrender, humility, service, and community rather than with any musical style.

God desires Jesus to be exalted. Philippians 2 makes this abundantly clear. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess His lordship. Jesus Himself is the Unifier of the Church. He is the Head of the church (Eph 1:22), our peace (Eph 2:14), and His Spirit is the Spirit of unity (Eph 4:3).

In our churches today, we seem to seek to be unified by so many things…a common mission, a cool brand, a socio-economic status, a shared language, a preferred musical style. We must be careful not to supplant Jesus. He deserves to be the Unifier of the church.

As God’s people, may we give Him what He deserves…the praise of all people. And may we offer Him what He desires…the worship of the nations together. Let us not travel the path of least resistance. Let us not be content with our cultural defaults. Let us  not focus on form, but on Christ. Let us do so together. And may He receive glory in the church forever and ever!