Display Not Distraction

Psalm 143:2 "Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!"

We had several new visitors worshiping at our church with us a few weeks ago but 1 visitor in particular stirred my heart and prompted my thinking. His heart was on fire and his passion was flowing. He was very demonstrative in his worship and he was just letting the Holy Spirit freely flow through him. My eyes were closed but as I was worshiping myself, I was enjoying his free uninhibited spirit. I know he made several people uncomfortable but I have to say that to me, it was very refreshing. I have learned to close my eyes in worship as much as I'm able and let go without a second thought to who is around me or what they are doing.

There are many people who shy away from any kind of physical posturing because they think it will draw attention to themselves and they point to scripture that supports their view. I want to propose another way of thinking that has much more scripture to support it. I believe that when we physically express ourselves in worship We Do Not Distract But Display our affections. What I mean by this is that the Bible speaks of bowing our knees, raising our hands, dancing in worship and falling on our faces before our God. In these situations the true worshipers are focused on God alone, they do not set out to distract others but display their affection and adoration to Him. They are giving glory where glory is due. The authentic raised hands are expressing their heartfelt praise and saying, "See, the majesty of God!" "See, the grace of my Lord!" "Praise be to God, I'm standing in the presence of my King!" These worshipers are responding horizontally to the One who gave His all so they can live in freedom and be enslaved no more. That is reason enough to lift our hands, shout and sing His praises!

Now don't get me wrong. I also believe that you can fervently love the Lord without physically showing your passion; however. we have to be careful that we are not critical of those that feel free to do so. After all God makes it clear in His Word that He measures our love for Him by our obedience to His commands, not by our public display of affection.

I'd like to challenge you to consider this . . .Before our hands and feet can join our hearts in worship, our hearts must be passionately ignited and on fire for the One who intimately loves us. Are you passionately in love with the Lover of your Soul? Are you captivated by His nature? Have you surrendered everything to Jesus who has offered you the greatest gift of all time? If so then you are free to worship as the Holy Spirit leads. I will be the one with hands held high in praise displaying all that my Lord and Savior means to me.