The Kind of Worship God Blesses
by Jack Hayford

"That service really blessed me!"

It's good to hear responses like that after a gathering for public worship. Often it's the result of the free flow of the Spirit, symbolized in the Scriptures as an "anointing"--like that referred to in Psalm 133. Moving music ministry, testimonies or healthy Bible teaching are also "anointed," but in Psalm 133, it's especially corporate unity that receives the "anointing" and God's appointed blessing. Have we given sufficient attention to the unity of the body of Christ as a key proviso--as an avenue through which God has chosen to bless His people?

Now, we may have to use our imagination some to appreciate the imagery of this psalm. To say that unity is as pleasant as oil running down Aaron's head on to his beard and garments (vs. 2) may sound a little strange to us. But if you've ever been involved in a congregation torn apart by division, you can easily make the connection between the blessing of church harmony and the refreshment of early morning dew atop a mountain in a hot Mediterranean climate.

As churches of today move into worship renewal, it's not uncommon for them to experience some struggle and strain. Old traditions may be disrupted. Understanding about what worship leaders are attempting may be slow in coming. Although each fellowship must work through these issues in its own way. I've found five elements to be usually present when the body successfully negotiates the waters of renewal.

• There is first of all a general willingness for the worship to be rescued from spirit-deadening routine to Spirit-led vitality. Unfortunately, like taking medicine, it's sometimes necessary for us to hurt before we want to change: and people who see nothing wrong with worship as it always has been may not hurt enough to be willing to change.

• Sensitivity must characterize a substantial number of people and worship leaders for unified worship renewal. They must have an instinct for what God wants, and for what best enables people to render publicly what they feel for God in their hearts.

• There must be widespread understanding if the body is to move forward together in worship. Here the responsibility of teachers and preachers cannot be over-emphasized. God's people will generally respond positively to changes that are shown to be grounded in the Word and will of God.

• The leaders must have a certain alertness to congregational reaction, especially if innovations in worship are attempted. This doesn't mean that pastors are to be lackeys moving only according to the whim of the majority. It does mean that they are ministers to the body, not just ministers of God. If they are disinterested or blind to whether what happens in worship is really accomplishing renewal, unified worship is impossible.

• And let's face it: There must be a certain level of ability on the part of worship leaders if the body responds in unity. This is not an appeal for offering our best in worship. God was not pleased when His Old Covenant people offered sacrifices of blemished animals. And neither He nor His New Covenant people respond favorably too sloppy and careless worship leadership today.

Are you doing your part to make the corporate worship of the body so pleasantly unified that it's a true anointing?

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"Brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He consecrated for us..." Hebrews 10:19-20

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