19-2
The “score” is very lopsided. There is a word that, in one form or another, is found nineteen times in the King James Version of The New Testament. That word deals with how Christians are to worship and interact with one another. The basic meaning of the word in all of its forms is that of building up. The importance of the word might be demonstrated in the last portion of 1 Cor. 14:26.
…Let all things be done unto edifying.
It is of more than a little interest and importance this particular verse deals with what is to happen when a church comes together to worship. This is not necessarily true of every time some form of “edify” is used in the New Testament, but this particular verse is not the only time it is used in this way.
So much for the nineteen. What about the two? What possible word could I have in mind that pales in comparison with some form of “edify.” The word that is found only twice in the New Testament is actually in one verse.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Heb. 13:2)
Most other versions of the Bible give the meaning of the Greek word used in this verse as “show hospitality.” We sometimes use “entertain” in that sense today. When people on those home improvement shows talk about wanting a space in their house to “entertain,” they aren’t talking about putting on a show, but inviting family and/or friends to enjoy one another’s company.
It seems to me that some people today are confused about this. What passes for “worship” looks a lot more like a major production complete with special lighting, exciting music, dramatic presentations, and maybe even some special effects that would make Hollywood producers jealous.
There may (or may not) be a little scripture or a short discussion about some event in the Bible “thrown in,” but it kind of seems secondary to “the production.” It helps somewhat if the speaker is energetic, enthusiastic, and dramatic. It’s even better if he’s young and good looking. People who attend assemblies like this probably leave on an emotional “high.” They may wish that they could feel the way they felt during the assembly all week, but, as the week goes on, the high doesn’t seem to last.
On the other hand, there are people who have assembled where God and His Word were the focus of their experience. Their emotions may have also been affected, but it was because they were edified (built up) and have been brought closer to God, have a greater understanding of His word, and are better equipped to handle whatever comes their way.
A long time ago, an older preacher wrote the following words to a younger preacher:
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling…
(1 Tim. 1:4-6, emphasis added)
I’m not nearly as concerned about “keeping score” as I am about pleasing God. It seems to me that far too many people have forgotten that He is the “audience” as we worship. When we honor Him by worshiping as He has directed us to do in His word, that will, indeed, have an effect on us. We may not be entertained, but we will be edified. We will be built up and drawn closer together.
Most importantly, we will be drawn closer to God and will be honoring Him. That seems like the best option.
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
