The Beauty of the Body

A while ago, it seems, we defined in Churchspeak what we mean by the word "worship". At first it was innovative, and then it was trendy to say "worship is a lifestyle". At first we meant it...then we repeated it like a mantra. Sermons were preached, podcasts downloaded, blogs written, tweets tweeted to remind us that all of life is an opportunity to worship.

So what did that do to Sunday worship? If worship is now our lifestyle (at least in Churchspeak, if not in practice - but that's a whole other series), what is Sunday worship all about? Lest we begin to neglect to gather together for worship (since we're now all worshiping all the time), perhaps we ought to remind ourselves of the importance of the worship service.

When the doors are open and the people are together, what is the purpose of our corporate gathering?

Is it for the seeker or is it for the found?

Is it for the broken or is it for the celebration of those made whole?

Is it for the pouring out or is it for the filling up?

Is it for the individual or is it for the community?

Yes - to all of it.

The corporate Body of Christ gathered together on a Saturday night or a Sunday morning is a melting pot of victory and defeat, of laughter and tears, of faith and doubt, of strong ties and lonely souls. In the mingling voices and prayers and hearts, God inhabits our praise. In the faith spoken to doubt, sparks are lit. In the tear-filled victory cry, steadfastness is born. In the bent-knees of repentance, forgiveness and purity are known.

It is in the beauty of the Body that the Holy Spirit brings both correction and assurance as we gaze on the cross, exalt our Triune God and delight Him with praise. As He transforms individuals, He begins to weave hearts and lives together and unlock our grip on what it means to worship.

It is a peculiar thing for a peculiar people. But we need to worship with the Body to learn to love to worship outside of the sanctuary. We need His people - the broken, the victorious, the lonely, the sure - to help us see and celebrate the very heart of God.

Pray for your church today. Pray for a love for your church family today. And as you prepare for a corporate worship gathering this weekend, ask God to give you a fresh excitement to be with His people - pouring out, filling up and weaving together.