How do we contextualize the gospel to a consumer-driven culture without becoming a consumer-driven church? That is the challenge of the church in America. But I’m afraid we are not doing a very effective job. Instead of transforming our culture of consumers into worshipers, most of our churches have conformed to the American culture that puts its highest value on “The customer is always right.” Now that wouldn’t be a totally bad thing if we recognized God as our true Customer. But I’m afraid we are more geared toward pleasing the American customer when it comes to designing corporate worship experiences. Consequently, our worship gatherings have become tools for attracting customers or consumers, and not true God-focused worship.
Here are a few thoughts I have on the difference between worship that blesses an “All-Consuming” God and worship that seeks to bless “all consumers”:
True All-Consuming worship is set on meeting the desires of God.
False “all consuming” worship is set on meeting the desires of ourselves.
True All-Consuming worship is more concerned about the presence of God.
False “all consuming” worship is more concerned about the presence of others.
True All-Consuming worship is a gathering of Worshipers.
False “all consuming” worship is a gathering of Consumers.
True All-Consuming worship is motivated by need.
False “all consuming” worship is motivated by greed.
True All-Consuming worship is directed towards God.
False “all consuming” worship is directed towards people.
True All-Consuming worship requires participation.
False “all consuming” worship requires performance.
True All-Consuming worship is Counter-Cultural.
False “all consuming” worship is Culture-Driven.
True All-Consuming worship is driven by gratitude.
False “all consuming” worship is driven by envy.
Wow, what a difference one little hyphen makes in our worship! I pray we can stop approaching church and worship as consumers, and instead pour out our lives in an “All-Consuming” worship for an “All-Consuming” God.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)
Can you think of a time or experience where you found yourself caught up in acting more like a consumer instead of a worshiper? What has helped you move away from being a consumer of church and worship and into being a true worshiper?
Worshipboy - Spiritual Sidekick 