“Trying to keep the vacation alive, are ‘ya?” a coworker asked this week as I defied the damp, misty weather outside and sported a pair of sandals to work. I am definitely rested and back in the game, after a few days of Hawaiian sun, sand and surf. I must admit, however, that until July 4 rolls around and I can depend on a stretch of warm dry summer weather to heat me up, I am positive that memories of sitting out on a lanai to be cooled by the tradewinds will momentarily draw my attention away from the rugged natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest that I have come to love.
It was a group of Hawaiian worshippers who came to mind this week as I continue to study Rick Warren’s best-selling book “The Purpose-Driven Life.” I first spotted them on a Wednesday evening when my husband and I decided to visit a local pizza joint in Waimea that had received an ono “Good!” review in a travel book. The writers were right on: The location was nothing to brag about, but the pizza was really yummy — especially the crust. Who cares if overhead fans did little to cool the heat of the ovens? The tiny restaurant was positioned directly across from a Hawaiian church, where members had gathered for choir practice. As their beautiful voices and the lovely Hawaiian language distinctly floated across the street to our table, it occurred to me that we were observing genuine, authentic worship.
This is one aspect of purpose-driven living Warren talks about in his book. God longs for us to offer the entirety of our lives to Him—not just parts and parcels. One of the best ways to offer heart and soul is through worship, for the experience can capture the deepest recesses of ourselves and focus our attentions away from ourselves and back onto Him. Interestingly enough, worship can not only be a lifelong endeavor, but it can be an all-day activity, not simply boxed into 1 hour a week.
The concept has forced me to take a good, long look at my worship experiences and if honesty prevails, there have been many times through the years when I was present at a service but so emotionally disengaged I resembled nothing more than a critic. This is exactly what God does not hope for us when we haul ourselves out of bed to attend a Sunday worship service. How many times have you thought, Why do I bother coming here on Sundays ‘cuz these hymns are putting me to sleep. I could be out on my boat! Or, I think I’ll start my grocery list during the sermon. I’m not really relating to this stuff. Not only did I carry guilt each time I entertained such thoughts, but I also realized it was up to me to make some changes. Worship and consumerism do not mix. Neither does boxing my life up and compartmentalizing it to the point that God is reserved for a few moments each week.
It is possible to realign one’s thinking to such a degree that God comes to mind off and on all day long. It is also possible that your love for Him can be so expanding that the thought of adoring and worshipping Him only on Sunday morning is unimaginable.
Author Gary Thomas, who wrote the book Sacred Pathways, points out that it is possible to expand our understanding of worship. He says that those who yearn for authentic worship experiences with God will want to do a bit of self introspection and begin to identify their own style. This is important because once we understand how we can best connect with Him, our worship experiences will explode with meaning and joy.
Thomas says there are nine ways people draw close to God. Naturalists love God best in outdoor, natural settings. Sensates worship best in beautiful surroundings and experiences. Traditionalists draw close to God through treasured rituals. Ascetics prefer simple, private moments with God. Activists battle injustice. Caregivers show their love for God by serving mankind. Enthusiasts celebrate their way through the day. Contemplaters carefully consider their love of God. Intellectuals love God as they study Him.
Let’s stop trying to be people God never intended us to be and begin, instead, to be authentic worshippers by figuring out how we can best love and praise Him. Let’s move away from the “Only on Sunday” mentality and choose activities that will move us into worshipful experiences where we can wait breathless for the touch of a loving God.
Joan Bay Klope’s e-mail address is jbklope@hotmail.com
