Do not judge
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Matthew 7:1-2
Styles of worship…
One of the major things I had to deal with when I started with multicultural worship, and sometimes still deal with, is judging someone’s style of worship as inappropriate. Do you know what I mean?
Have you ever been in a church worshiping quietly and someone starts clapping or even shouting? How about when people start dancing in the aisles during worship?
Sometimes we can get stuck on what is appropriate for church and what is not. The truth is it’s just different, not wrong.
I remember thinking that people who used colorful flags during worship was a distraction. They’d be twirling and moving around…and right up front too.
Things changed when I understand their heart behind it. I met a woman who made worship veils at a conference for creative Christians.
She told me she hand-painted these silk scarves and prayed over each one. This woman went on to tell me how God revealed this gift/skill to her. I was blown away.
Different thinkers…
I have to admit…I have a hard time with logical thinkers.
The problem is I think they take too long to make a decision. And, if they make a decision it seems like they never take any action…at least it looks like that on the surface.
So, I married a logical thinker. Once I stopped to understand, ask questions, and find out why she thinks this way I saw it as a blessing. I don’t say that as much as I should, but it’s true.
I tend to make decisions too fast and figure out how to what I shouldn’t done differently later. I still process things this way, but I do more time now to weigh my options.
Lesson…
As multicultural worship leaders we are seeking to understand our brothers and sisters. Our own arrogance and pride can blind us from truly knowing someone’s heart.
If you find yourself judging someone, stop, and get to know their heart.
Have you found yourself judging someone only to find out you were wrong? Share your comments below.
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
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YES, it’s tough. One thing that I find difficult is the distraction that it causes with myself personally. I don’t think that i notice it among other cultures more or less among different worship styles. I raise my hands sometimes, my wife not so much.
I am the guy that sometimes shouts Alleluia. The dancing in the aisles I don’t think that I have ever noticed.
That is a very cool story of the woman with the flags!
I do find my self judging sometimes and it stinks to think about it and say yes to my judgmental spirit. Honestly I have a difficult time not judging in my head other people. Sometimes i don’t trust others. I was talking with my mom this morning about it. In a way I pass judgement when i choose not to trust a person or the information they give me. I pass my own personal judgement upon them and say to myself well i will have to try it for myself to see if you are truly correct. Sometimes I can be so arrogant and proud in such simple ways.
Nathaniel Thomas
July 23, 2010