I Stand — Even When I Don’t
This post may be somewhat shorter than some I write. At the same time, it may be sufficiently long enough to get me in trouble with some people.
In some circles, there has been a growing trend during the past few years to add a little (or a lot of) “choreography” along with songs of praise and worship. I know I’m an old fogey, but I’m not planning to be in one of those circles.
Please allow me to provide one example of what I am talking about. Some of us are familiar with a song that, after mentioning some of the wonderful attributes of God, contains the words, “I stand in awe of You.” We may also be familiar with the practice of some who, when those words are sung, physically stand to their feet.
While there may not be anything intrinsically wrong with that practice, I would like to pose the following question:
Is it necessary to physically stand in order to stand in awe of God?
I don’t know about you, but I “stand in awe” when I am sitting and reading God’s word. I “stand in awe” when I am lying on my back at night and looking at the splendor of God’s universe. I “stand in awe” when I’m walking in the woods or along a beach. I “stand in awe” when I’m driving down the road and see a beautiful sunrise, sunset, or rainbow. I “stand in awe” when I take a walk and see beautiful flowers, the almost unbelievable colors of fall leaves, and other proofs of His handiwork. And, yes, I “stand in awe” when I stand in front of people and try to come to grips with my duty as I attempt to preach the gospel.
I remember being at a youth gathering a number of years ago. Much more than standing was done during one of the songs. The Lord’s incarnation, ministry, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension were all “acted out” during the singing of one particular song. Some of those who participated even found a way include swinging hips and other movements that would have been more appropriate at a nightclub than at a church building (which is where it took place). It did not at all appear to me that those who participated in this had much, if any, interest in demonstrating a love for God. I will readily admit that my opinion could be totally wrong, but that opinion is that their focus was much more on themselves and on impressing others.
I hope you don’t mind if I don’t join with those who apparently feel a need to “act out” their worship. I much prefer to try to demonstrate to God that I stand in awe of Him regardless of where I am or whatever position I’m in.
In short, I stand–even when I don’t.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
