Tanya Riches is the Director of the Masters of Transformational Development at Eastern College.
Artwork by Mish Graham.Reading 1 Corinthians 13 reveals the shape of our broken world, and the ways we often reinforce territory, our rights, our place. But it also reminds us: we were not created for war or hate.
Those of us who call ourselves Christians want to witness to Christ in our communities, both local and abroad. In this, the Scripture is very clear. Only love lasts, and without it, we become a clanging gong, failing to communicate anything meaningful at all.
What will help our community building and music making sing out God’s anthem to the world? How can we measure our worship not just on what we’re singing about, but on what we’re becoming together?
For this to happen, we must walk the path of Christ. We must be willing to be broken open, allowing love to work in and through us, both individually and together. How can we build the love the Bible promises will make a difference?
Holding patience amidst slow change; showing kindness by being open to communicate and to reconnect. Deciding not to compare and to compete but choosing to create and share; even if others still act from insecurities or are unaware their wealth represents the exploitation of others. Making the decision not to dishonour others, instead working to articulate things we value and want to become. Deciding not to get “triggered,” but hold back judgement until we hear the other side. Not creating lists of ways we were disappointed and failed. Instead, putting energy into finding and understanding truth. By protecting, trusting, hoping and persevering, I truly believe our love can ring out sweetly in Australian cities and towns. Worship, especially music, should move us to love-in-action. That’s the kind of worship we really need more of right now — less noise, more love.
Selah.
It’s been said that what we worship shows what we love. In Christian contexts, people often think of worship as singing – how can we expand our definition or vision of worship by looking through the lens of love? How does Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for us help shape our worship?
Commenting on Isaiah 58, Ken Wytsma (theologian and founder of the Justice Conference) says “Israel was going through the motions of worship – fasting, praying, and so on – without any foundation or motivation beyond their desires. They were seeking God daily in order to be blessed by God, yet God was asking them to worship in order to be a blessing to others.”1
Do you see this playing out in the church today? What can help us discern if our worship is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord?
Looking at Isaiah 58:6-14, what is the result of ‘true worship’? What do you imagine this could look like amongst your neighbours near and far?
Consider Tanya’s question by reflecting on your own contexts of corporate worship: How can we measure our worship not just on what we’re singing about, but on what we’re becoming together?
Think about some of the worship songs or hymns commonly sung around Easter. What opportunities could there be for your church to engage more justly in worship this Easter?
Father God, out of your glorious riches, may you strengthen us with power through your Spirit in our inner beings, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. May we, being rooted and established in love, have power, together with all your holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of you, God.
– Inspired by Ephesians 3:16-19
Spend time in worship! Even better – introduce some of these songs to your church community.
1. Ken Wytsma, Pursuing Justice, chapter 14 ‘Rediscovering Worship: The role of justice in the pursuit of God’
