A Good Laugh

Occasionally, it is good to laugh at ourselves.  Thought I would pass this one on courtesy of Dick Mills.


The elderly priest, speaking to the younger priest, said, ''You had a good idea to replace the first four pews with plush bucket theater seats. It worked like a charm. The front of the church always fills first now.'' 

The young priest nodded, and the old priest continued, ''And you told me adding a little more beat to the music would bring young people back to church, so I supported you when you brought in that rock 'n roll gospel choir. Now our services are consistently packed to the balcony.'' 

''Thank you, Father,'' answered the young priest. ''I am pleased that you are open to the new ideas of youth.'' 

''All of these ideas have been well and good,'' said the elderly priest, ''But I'm afraid you've gone too far with the drive-thru confessional.''

''But, Father,'' protested the young priest, ''my confessions and the donations have nearly doubled since I began that!''

''Yes,'' replied the elderly priest, ''and I appreciate that. But the flashing neon sign, 'Toot 'n Tell or Go to Hell' cannot stay on the church roof!"

Why do we worship?

THE REASON WE WORSHIP is only made clear when we understand what worship is. Many beautiful definitions of worship have been rendered, such as "love responding to love," "the Spirit of God in man respond­ing to the Spirit of God in God," "an atti­tude of the heart," and others. All of these are valid and beautifully describe the act of worship, which is an act of the inner man. According to chapters1 and 2 of the Song of Solomon; worship is the most intimate of all levels of communication with our God. This communication is initiated by the Spirit of God calling us to worship. We respond with manifestations of our love and adoration for Him.

Worship, then, becomes the consumma­tion of our relationship with God Just as intimacy completes the marriage bond. Taking this thought further, if we don't worship, our relationship with God is incomplete. The methods and elements of our worship are really not the most critical issues. God is not as concerned with the "how of worship" as much as He simply desires our worship to be "in spirit and in truth" or truthfulness (John 4:24).

When we approach God in honesty and with a pure heart, we demonstrate to Him a willingness to forsake all else to spend time with Him. He honors our attempts by showing us His great heart of love and compassion, completing the intimacy we so desperately need.

Dave Collins

Music Ministry Network