What Kind Of A Worshipper Are You?
There are all kinds of worshippers. First of all, there is the SPASMODIC WORSHIPPER. He comes whenever he takes a notion, and that is not too often. The least attraction keeps him from assembling with the saints. However, when there is nothing better for him to do (in his estimation), he will show up for worship and partake of the Lord's supper without any compunction of conscience. A person like this needs to repent and then obey Heb. 10:25. It reads in part, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..."
Second, we mention the IRREVERENT WORSHIPPER. He whispers, passes notes and occasionally takes a good "snooze" during worship. You may even find him giving himself a manicure or reading some article that he has brought with him. When the irreverent worshipper has nothing better to do, he may slouch down in the seat with just his head sticking up over the top and anxiously wait for the conclusion of the worship. Psalms 89:7 needs to be heeded. "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."
Third, we suggest the BORED WORSHIPPER. He is constantly looking at his watch or the clock on the wall. This may be accompanied with a yawn and a "ho-hum." He refuses to sing, and if he does sing, his heart is not in it. The preaching goes in one ear and out the other, and the Lord's supper is just an empty form. Instead of the worship being an inspiration, it is a toleration for the bored worshipper. Once a week is about all this kind can stand to attend worship. His heart needs changing so that he can say with David, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psa. 122:1).
Fourth, there is the OBSERVANT WORSHIPPER. He is continually looking around. There is not a movement in any part of the building that he does not see or try to see. To make sure that he sees everything, he sits in the part of the meetinghouse where he will have a full view. He can tell you what everybody is wearing, including the makeup of the women, but it would be an accident if he could tell you the sermon topic of the preacher. Unless a person engages in worship with his heart, the worship is nothing more than a ritual or a formality. God is to be worshipped in spirit. Paul wrote, "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." (Phil. 3:3)
Fifth, we do not want to omit the TARDY WORSHIPPER. He seems to make it a point to always arrive after the singing has already begun. It almost looks as if it is planned that way. Really, there is no excuse for brethren to be habitually late for worship. It shows a lack of respect for the dignity and solemnity of the occasion. I might add that leaving early from worship, unless an emergency exists, is just as bad as coming late. Some brethren seem to think that the only important thing about worship is the Lord's supper, and after that or before that, they are at liberty to come or go as they please. Such is not so. Brethren like this need to practice Rom. 12:11. It reads, "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."
Sixth. There Is The Worldly Worshipper. This Worshipper May Have Been To The Dance Hall Or The Night Club On Saturday Night And Then Tries To Worship God On Sunday Morning. It Could Be That He Transacted Some "Shady" Business Deal The Week Before Or He Failed To Tell The Truth. Maybe The Worshipper Is Filled With Malice And Hatred Toward His Fellowman And Refuses To Speak. Many Things Could Be Mentioned Of Which A Person May Be Guilty When He Tries To Worship God. But One Thing Is Certain — God Will Not Accept The Worship Of The Worldly` Ng. A Man Can Not Live Wrong And Worship God Right. A Worshipper Must Come Before God With "Clean Hands And A Pure Heart." David Wrote, "Give Unto The Lord The Glory Due Unto His Name; Worship The Lord In The Beauty Of Holiness" (Psa. 29:2).
Seventh, and last, we list the DEVOTED WORSHIPPER. This type puts his heart into every act of homage paid unto God that is divinely authorized. He recognizes that he is in the august presence of his Creator, and conducts himself accordingly. He is punctual and he is ready to hear and do all things prescribed of God. His mind is free of the material things of the world and he enters the devotion and adoration unto God with joy and thanksgiving. This is the kind of worshipper that God seeks. "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23).
May we always remember the words of Solomon as we go to worship. "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools; for they consider not that they do evil" (Eccl. 5:1).
— Bowling Green, Kentucky