Remember that seen in the movie Elf at the end when they’re all singing Christmas carols outside of Central Park? And James Caan’s character stubbornly won’t sing but his son calls him out on it? And once he does, it provides enough Christmas Umph that Santa’s sleigh is able to take flight??
I know that guy.
He’s at church with me from time to time.
The only difference is that his son isn’t calling him out and he’s just still there stubbornly silent with a pleasant enough look on his face.
Or he’s out in the lobby drinking coffee, pretending to be tied up in a conversation so he doesn’t have to go in until the music part is over.
Or he’s outside pretending to do something super important on his phone and he’ll “be in in a minute” as he holds up one finger (the good one) to his family.
As a general rule, guys have a hard time engaging in worship. I’m not sure why.
Maybe it’s because we don’t want to be vulnerable. Maybe it’s because we’re self-conscious and are afraid people will hear us sing. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to be open and honest with God. Maybe it’s because it was never role modeled for us. Maybe it’s because we’re not very expressive and so it’s difficult for us.
Regardless of the reason, guys have trouble with this one.
If that’s not you, great. Feel free to skip today’s lesson and go find some YouTube videos on drywall repairs to watch.
But for the rest of us, worship is a challenge.
However, you must learn to disarm your fears & self-consciousness and open yourself up emotionally and mentally.
Here are a few tips:
Close your eyes. It’s the whole if I can’t see you, you can’t see me trick. It helps you focus and prevents distraction.
Pray the lyrics of the song. Out loud. Pretend you’re talking directly to God . . . because you are . . . and tell Him how you feel.
Raise your hands. This is a huge one and can be very uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. But it’s a sign of surrender. And I know firsthand when you express with your body, your heart and mind often follow.
Here’s the bottom line. This program, and the long-term avoidance of pornography & lust, is based on a holistic approach to your spiritual life. As I’ve said before, that means you must seek to refine EVERY aspect of your life.
You must seek to become a better person overall & a better Christian if you’re going to become better at avoiding pornography.
And part of this is engaging in worship.
Get in there. Take a positive risk. And sing to God.
He deserves it.
Thoughts to Pray/Journal:
- How can you engage better in worship? What’s stopping you?
- What has corporate worship looked like in your Church life?
Reading: