I walked into a church in Singapore and I was pleasantly greeted by a number of people. A sister then invited me to sit with the interpreter because the speaker may speak in Tagalog. When the service started, the 4 piece band without a drummer and a drum set(because the hall was small), and 4 singers led us into a time of singing. They sang all English songs and some were new to me.
I enjoyed the singing, nice songs...but....no time was given for worship. I left the service feeling dissatisfied. I presume that the Lord would have felt the same way too. So close to God, yet missing out on the right response to God.
Singing is not synonymous with worship. Singing is nice and enjoyable if it was just a song service. Worship is what the Lord is looking for. Singing opens our hearts to God so that we can enter in deeper with our hearts and minds awed by the presence of the Living God. Worship leaders have a duty to lead us into God's presence, not simply to lead us in a couple of songs. Christians have to take the privilege of worship seriously and commune with God heart to heart, spirit to spirit. John 4:23-24 says that
1. God is spirit
2. Worship must be 'in spirit and in truth'
3. God is seeking for worshippers. He is specifically looking for true worshippers.
He is not looking for songs, not even nice songs, not wonderful 4 part singing, not a good song service. He is looking for WORSHIPPERS who worships Him deeply and passionately.
I believe the members of the above church were sincere and they love God. How wonderful it would be if they were led into worshipping the Lord in His holy presence. What rapturous joy they would experience when the glory of God is made more manifest among them. Lord, answer this prayer that they will grow to become true worshippers - the kind that you are looking for.
