Beauty in Worship
by Adam BottigliaWorship should be one of the most beautiful experiences in our existence. We all know how difficult it is to accomplish this.
Generational and cultural gaps have created opposing views of beauty. The sacred love songs of one group are the irreverent bawls of another. What moves one person turns another off. Should we step the music up another notch or move toward musical simplicity?
In worship we should seek to express that beauty which stands outside the realm of opinion; the transcendent Excellence that is so impressive we can’t help forgetting our petty spiritual preferences.
Christ is that beauty. So much of our worship is focused on how we feel and what we will do for God that we never allow ourselves to be captivated by the beauty of Jesus. Many of the greatest anthems in the psalms are devoted to proclaiming the mighty acts of God on behalf of His people. Today, through Christ, we have seen and experienced more than they could have ever dreamed. In an epic moment it time, the eternal God of heaven stepped down from His majestic throne and became united with human flesh. He is Emmanuel, God with us. Perfect beauty in the form of an impoverished and hated man: a paradox that will delight our souls forever.
In worship we long to feel the passion for Christ we know He deserves. We sing song after song attempting to raise our souls to the proper heights. “Lord, I give You my heart, I give You my soul. I live for You alone.” “I want to touch You, I want to see Your face. I want to know You more.” While trying our hardest to honor Christ we have inadvertently taken the focus off of Christ and placed it on ourselves. Not surprisingly these songs quickly wear off and lose all effect no matter how they’re played. We are left feeling convicted because we could not offer back to God all He deserves. We are constantly searching to find new songs to renew our spirits, but they only serve to start the cycle over again.
This happens because our inspiration in worship cannot come from within ourselves. We cannot create a passion for Christ by singing about our passion. Are we really motivated to give more when we sing about how much we intend to give? True passion and giving can only come when we take our eyes off ourselves and focus them on the One whose Passion taught us what giving was all about.
For a moment let us stop promising so much and allow ourselves to simply dwell on the Promise. Let us stop reflecting on our feelings so we can let ourselves feel as we reflect on Christ. If we can sing of His love forever, then let us do just that. Before long we will realize that no style can lift us as high, nor tear us down from the Height that is Christ.
In all my work no one ever left dissatisfied when I gave them Christ.
Portions of this article originally appeared in Christian Sound and Song Magazine Issue no 22. Used by permission.
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