What does it mean to be on-fire for God? Last night's sermon was about people that were on-fire for God. The person would be passionate about telling other people about Jesus. Another characteristic would be the hunger the person would have for God's word.
Do you have to be the person that jumps up and down in front of the altar to be considered being on-fire for God? I was observing how people worship last night. There were the ones that were down in front of the altar area that were very extroverted in their worship. When the preacher calls everyone to come up front for more worship, I usually get distracted if I am up there. Everyone is cramed in and I try not to hit anybody. I have a hard time concentrating because of all the loud noises. I usually get more from God if I am in my pew worshiping or kneeling down in my pew. Sometimes I think that maybe people will look down on me because I stay in my pew. Will others be worried about my spiritual condition because I am not jumping up and down in front of the altar? Then I realize that this is just silly thinking. I wonder if there is a correlation between a person's personality and the way they worship God. I am sure there is. The preacher last night told us to be real with God. I was being real with God in my own way.
24 comments:
I know it is much easier to say "don't worry about what people think about you", than it is to really believe that. However, I have come to the realization that if I am around people that truly have that attitude towards me, then those are not the kind of people I need to surround myself with. (Many times it is just a matter of perception/fear appearing to be our reality.)
Remember, it is a choice you make to be real with God -- It is YOUR relationship with Him. Just as your marriage is directly between you and your husband (not dependant upon neighbors/friends opinions).
I have one son that likes to cuddle with me, and my other son likes to play games with me. Each child gets their "special time" with mom. I believe that is all God wants from us too!
The people who judge on outward appearance miss so much of a person. Being married to a non-demonstrative worshipper, I've learned all kinds of things mean and are worship. I,even as more of an extrovert, hate being pressured to worship a certain way. In our current role, I feel like I have to "obey" if a worship leader says do this or do that, which is weak on my part. I need to just be myself.
Last night, I had a great moment of recognizing my need for God and in that need it lit a fire in me to realize things about my relationship with God. I read something that said we need to see ourselves as welfare recipients with God, not philanthropists who are doing something for Him. I like this because in recognizing my desperate need of God I can rejoice that I'm his needy child and He's thrilled because then I truly get joy in living whole heartedly for Him.
Golden,
My opinion of "on-fire for God" is based on what that person is doing outside of the church. It's too easy to put a front up while "playing church" I try to look inside the book cover (so to speak) and see what's inside the chapters. I agree that personality would play a factor as well as personal experience on how we worship.
Goodness....I so wish for you all to experience the freedom of worship without it being pressured or "instructed" to do so.
Anonymous, it is a little dangerous to speak like you have arrived. No one has. Paul hadn't.
I agree with shake anonymous....I believe we have the freedom of worship. It's typical in some churches for them to encourage "more freedom" through raising of hands or standing together. I don't always feel like it when it's suggested, but I know that some people in our church wouldn't do it without the instruction. So when worshiping with fellow believers you have to keep in mind that the worship is for you and the others around you. Some people need some of the very things you don't need and of course the reverse is true also.
When I worship, I look like I'm asleep - even when I'm standing off to the side. I grew up in a church where freedom of worship meant running up and down the aisles. I do like the prayer closet metaphor more than the track-meet metaphor. What occurs in a quiet person's heart when they communicate with God - whether in a group or alone - whether they raise their hands and jump - or like me, close their eyes and withdraw to God - is holy because God wants it.
I have what I like to call a "righteous rebellion." I am not sure what it means exactly. At an early age I learned how shallow and immature most Christians are when it comes to judging one's relationship with God. I am confidant in my relationship and understand my "freedom in Christ." Some Christians like to play it safe and have their checklist of appropriate behaviors and emotions. I tend to questions those list and challenge the people. I have passion, but I have never been an emotional guy with outward expressions. I will not raise my hand in worship if I am asked. I sort of enjoy the thought of people misjudging me; it keeps me humble and hopefully people will never think of me as an ideal christian who has arrived. What am I saying? I have no clue, it probably make no sense, because I have been interupted many times since I started typing.
Let me put it this way: I want to be a briquet, a piece of charcoal. Once it is ash-white it gives off a steady heat for a long time until it dies off. It will hold its form until "poof" it is dust.
People who are on fire are stupid.
Forrest, are you insinuating something?
Nothing more than "I'm awnry" and I'm a "troublemaker." ...but I do it to the Glory of God. Don't blame me, though, I inherited this from my grandpa.
Forrest, you are nothing but a troublemaker and I think deep down you wish you were "on fire."
Who are you, clearing?
who I am is not important, but..
...a forest on fire will create a clearing.
I was afraid of that... a troll.
Geez, Louise! What happened here in 24 hours??
First of all, I am the one that added the anonymous comment because I had already posted a comment once. It had NOTHING to do with "arriving", Dust. (Maybe you would like to read my comments on Dirt's blog. I, of all people, embrace growth in my life.)
But let's go ahead and tackle this issue: I only thought, how sad that I can remember feeling just like that, when I was growing up in the denomination I grew up in. It was indeed ALWAYS "directed". I can appreciate standing together as part of the service, but when the pastor would tell you to raise your hands, etc, it should a personal choice WITHOUT guilt. Honestly, who is he to tell Golden, or myself what kind of form of worship is right/comfortable for us???
Yes, I have experienced the freedom of not being "told" what to do when it comes to worship. Many times, I may be the only one who does raise my hand during worship. Also, because it is a personal choice, I don't feel worried about what other people around may think. And that is not a dangerous statement...simply, I have experienced both sides. And I have found myself more open to worship without distractions because it is from MY HEART to God.
I just firmly believe you shouldn't be "told" what to do and when to do it when it comes to worship. Personally, I can't stand the "jericho marching" and "flag waving" people, but then again, I choose not to go to a church that does that either.
I have not had any attacks on my comments before, thus it seems to me that since the comment made under anonymous, that's exactly what happened. I sure hope I am wrong......
I am sure many of you would not like the style my church has either. But I don't expect you to do something in worship that you wouldn't feel like is a true form of worship for you. However, I can assure you that my pastor is NOT going to tell you what to do either.
Go back and read what Roaming said about feeling like she has to "obey" the worship leader. This is NOT freedom. This isn't true worship. This is not what Christ wants from us. He gives us freedom to choose to follow Him and worship Him. He does not force us into believing His Word. He does not guilt us into salvation. He gives us the choice to worship, and He has even said that if we don't worship Him, the rocks will cry out. But never once does He say, "everyone stand up now and raise your hands before I get the rocks together to praise Me".
I still feel saddened that we teach/preach this in our churches today, and yet we are supposed to welcome in those who don't know Christ personally. How are THEY going to feel when they come to the worship part of the service, WHEN the congregation already feels like this themselves?
Jadee. Sorry, I thought that it was someone else I knew.
Jadnonymous,
Goodness, you are long winded.
Don't be sad for us. Believe me, I know this group of people to be very mature in their walk. If you knew us better, I am sure you would see the freedom. (I think I saw Clearing the other day drinking an adult beverage, smoking a cigar, and listening to secular rock records as worship to God.) But let's not start any gossip here.
Anyway, I think you might have missed the point. I don't think anyone feels guilty about not being outwardly on fire, it is just that people are always going to judge you. She brought up a point that all of us who grew up in church can identify with, because it is something we have all gone through. We can laugh about it.
In reality, no one is forcing anybody to do anything. I understand worship leaders wanting to feel like they are making an impact on the crowd. During the high energetic songs, hopefully people are jumping. During the slow burning songs, hopefully people are on their knees crying. It is more fun to see that than a bunch of blank faces, so thank God for those on-fire people.
It's true even at rock shows. I like to be the guy in the back with my arms crossed just soaking in the music. It may come across as too cool to act like you enjoy it. The band always wants the crowd to come up close and dance. They can feed off the crowd. Sorry, I am not on fire their either.
Sorry, I did get longwinded.
[I am not on fire their either]
It should be "there" not "their" you moronic dult. Try proofreading before you comment.
love-
I know I said not long ago that trolls should be ignored. I can't pass this one up, though. Dult???
Try proofreading your flames. :)
Sorry,
Where I come from a "dult" is a loving expression we give to someone who makes a silly mistake. Idiotic.
Quick Golden,
post something new!
Touché, Clearing, touché.
this blog was ON FIRE!
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