Guys, Come On.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m about to give you one of my church rants. I’ll feel much better once I’m all done.
You’ve seen them: the dads with their arms crossed, the teenage guy with a girl to text, the grumpy old man. All standing there during worship time at church doing nothing or even worse, distracting someone else. They apparently have something better to think about or do than worship. They’re “too cool” to do that. The question I must present is, “Why?”
I kind of understand it. We, as guys, don’t want people seeing us being “emotional”. We think people might think we’re strange if we stand there with our eyes closed and hands raised up. I get it. But it’s not right. God doesn’t hate emotion. Jesus got angry–heck, He went on a wild rampage through a church building. David, a guy known for being “after God’s own heart” and ruddy (that’s Bible-ese for “hot”), danced half-naked through the streets of his city because the presence of the Lord had returned. If that isn’t emotion, I don’t know what is.
Look at the message of the cross. The creator of the universe became a human. He lived with us, in our fallen world, for 33 years. He was falsely accused and brutally murdered. But then the amazing thing happened. He came back. Not for Him, but for us. We were sinners, and in His spectacular goodness He chose to give us a pathway out. Then it’s up to us to accept it. The crazy thing is that a lot of the guys that stand around and don’t take part in worship are the same guys that are really great at talking about a great Christian life. I’ve even seen pastors do this.
Christ has done an amazing thing for us. How can we keep from shouting, singing, and praising His name for what He’s done? His love is beyond crazy- it’s extravagant. Over-the-top. How can we just disregard that because “it’s not cool” or “I can’t sing”? I don’t think you can. I don’t think you should. Guys, come on now. Be willing to admit that God is the coolest thing imaginable- and anything that brings glory to Him is cool simply by association. Worship your heart out this weekend. Let it all go. Bring Him glory. Let me know what you think in the comments.
I'd be OK with it as long as these same guys aren't also jumping and screaming at the TV during a sports event. Whatever is your personal utmost is OK with me. I just think it's offensive to God to give some other obsession all your emotion.
Great point about sports. I know every guy isn't going to go crazy- hey, I probably even wouldn't. There's a level at which we're being too crazy. But I believe that every guy could do the decency of opening his mouth and at least trying to sing. It doesn't hurt- I promise! Singing is such an integral part of worship throughout the Scriptures that I don't think we can just ignore it and act like it doesn't matter. Just my 2¢. (Or is it 4¢?)
I don't believe this lack of emotion only pertains to men, I've seen plenty of females demonstrate the same behaviors. It irritates me to no end, not only during the singing portion of the service, to see people sleeping, filing their nails, playing games on their electronic devices, etc. when the word of the Lord is being preached. How does God feel when we are "bored" with his word? Coming from the female brain… we get pretty worked up when we feel ignored! Are we grieving the Spirit of God when we focus our interests, our desires, and our passions on something other than Him when it is time for worship? When you love and adore somebody, your willing to make a fool out of yourself… go crazy over the Lord!