How would you react if you won the lottery? Some cry, some shout, scream, jump up and down, some faint, some hug & kiss, etc.. Don't worry I'm not advocating the lottery but I do want to ask another question. What is the appropriate expression for someone who just won a million dollars? There is no ONE expression is there? The same can be said of the way we express our love for our children or grandchildren. Physical expressions, verbal expressions, buy presents, etc.. And the same can be said for the expressions of worship in the Bible. Let's just look at a couple of verses that illustrate the extreme contrasting styles of
worship.

        READ Psalm 46:8 - 47:6. Worship ultimately takes place in the heart. We are active participants not passive observers. Yet heart felt worship will manifest itself with many expressions. I want us to see the two general categories that are found within these verses, and then the various expressions within these two styles of worship. I want to emphasis at the beginning that I am not trying to push one form of worship over another. People are so passionate and defensive when the issue of worship occurs. People with a tradition worship style condemn the Pentecostals and Charismatics as being too emotional and in the flesh. They, Pentecostals and Charismatics, in turn condemn those who are more reserved in their worship as being dead, practicing empty ritual, and void of heart felt worship. What I want to do is try to foster some understanding, from a Biblical perspective, on both styles of worship.

I. REVERENCE/ STILLNESS Psalm 46:10, Hab. 2:20, Hebrews 12:28

A. Sitting in stillness or meditation. At our Church they have the people greet one another at a certain point in the service. One day I was talking to an elderly lady who was probably one of the most godly persons I have ever known, and she said to me, "That is so hard for me to do". This was not an unfriendly person. She was wonderful with people and extremely well liked. But she had been in Church for 70 years, and she had always been taught that you sit silently and you meditate on Christ in all aspects of the service. She explained how greeting people in the middle of the service 'broke her concentration'. From one perspective the worship service was too dry and the greeting of other people was and effort to liven up the atmosphere. From her perspective it was not too dry it was reverent and truly worshipful.

B. Kneeling Ps. 95:6 (Daniel and Jesus). I've visited Catholic churches on a few occasions. There are several parts of their service that I don't care for, but one thing I really appreciate is the kneeling bench. Kneeling is a physical expression of humility and reverence. We all need to get down on our knees every once in awhile just
to remind ourselves who we're dealing with.

C. Bowing or Laying. 2 Chronicles 29:30, Rev. 1:17 (the root words for worship in OT "shachah" and in the NT "proskuneo" both mean to lay prostrate, or bow
down).

D. Tears - It is impressive to see God touching peoples lives to the point where tears begin to flow down their cheek. There are enough tears of pain, rejection, and fear in the world. We need to see some tears of joy in the house of God. It is nature human action, and I believe that tears in worship truly glorify God because they reflect something special which is happening on the inside.

II. ENTHUSIASM / EMOTION

A. Clapping Hands - We do at ball games, and for specials at Church. Why do we do it? To show appreciate and encouragement. But we think it's heresy to do it as an offering to God?

B. Shouting (Ps. 98:4-6) - This is one that makes me uncomfortable a little bit, but it doesn't mean it makes God uncomfortable. We need to be sure that we're not causing our brother to stumble, but then again we need to learn how to submit to God's word.

C. Dancing (ps. 149:3, 2 Sam. 6:14-23) - David did when the arc came back to Israel. It's important for those of us who are skeptical of someone 'dancing' before the Lord to notice what took place. God took pleasure in David because it was an honest expression of his heart. With Micah, who was too reserved, God was displeased.

D. Raising Holy Hands (I Tim. 2:8) - Should never be for show, but clearly serves as a physical expression of worship and honor.

"Consider how God views the attitude that a person demonstrates in the service. Does talking during the prelude indicate lack of concern for those who are trying to meditate? Does silence indicate a lack of friendliness to the visitor? Must each service be alike? Surely differing expressions of worship may be equally valid, but unity, love, and warmth are always proper."

* All are acceptable! * When they are done with a spirit of true worship of the Creator from our hearts, I believe all are acceptable, but all are not mandatory! We need to be sensitive to the Spirit. We need to find what form of worship fits our personality and worship God from our heart. We must not judge those who's expressions of worship vary from yours. One thing is for sure - God is clearly honored not only by our words of worship, but also our physical expressions during worship.