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Originally Posted by Pianoman
Good post! I have a few comments in response.
1. I only mentioned "shouting" because that was the subject of this thread. Although I agree with your comments about those who sing or play musical instruments, those things are not generally tied to one's supposed spiritual thermometer like shouting is.
2. I don't have a problem with anyone rejoicing before the Lord. Many times it may be a release from their everyday life. The point I was trying to make is that rejoicing before the Lord is not necessarily a spiritual determinator.
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I completely agree with you on that. We shouldn't look at a person worshiping and think that they are more spiritual because of their exuberance,
nor should we allow ourselves to question their sincerity because we are aware of mistakes or sins in their lives.
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3. Just don't judge others when they don't dance and shout like you do. It is not the personality of some people to do that. When they were in the world, they were not the type to "party" or hoop and holler at ballgames. They are reserved and shy. This is their personality and in no way reflects on their love for God.
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Two things:
1. I am not a highly exuberant person. Not much of a dancer, can be a little loud. Shyness, though, can be caused by a person being too aware of self, or self-conscious, and can even be evidence of selfishness. (self-centeredness)
2. I don't believe we should choose our worship based on what our personality is--God does expect more from us, than just whatever is in our comfort zone.
See: Story of Cain & Abel. Cain gave God what he "felt" like giving, and was angry when God didn't accept his offering. So while I agree with you on principle, I do believe God cares about us doing things His way. Of course, "His way" doesn't have to be dancing, shouting or otherwise swinging from the chandeliers.
3. Okay, 3 things. God does change us completely--I have seen shy sinners become enthusiastic saints. To some extent, our personality is part of how God created us, but in some cases it can hinder us from ministry and wonderful experiences, so maturity allows us to decide to step out of certain bounds.
I agree that we shouldn't expect certain types of worship--there are many
biblical modes of worship that don't require a person to make a bold statement.
But there are just as many that do. God does like variety, and He certainly extends that to worship, as is evidenced in scripture.
