For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:10
I was once told that worship with me as pastor was like a pep rally. This comment came to me indirectly. It was not meant as a compliment. I took it as one.
This response isn’t me being stubborn or somehow spiteful. Worship should be uplifting, empowering, positive and, above all, encouraging if not all out exhilarating. Yes, pep rallies can be clamorous, non-dimensional, and even silly. With what Paul shares here, however, what are we to do with this Good News, and, specifically, Good News for good works? Sit and quiet? Remain dour and maudlin?
Worship shouldn’t be similar to an ice cream sundae sugar high. Then again, maybe it should—at least in part. Time for silent contemplation, introspection, reflection, revelation and direction are essential, necessary pieces to worship; there is no doubt about this; but when the Holy Spirit blows the roof off our feelings of inadequacy, doubt, and human darkness with what could, in fact, be glee over our sins being forgiven, then with a deep-seated, “Hallelujah!” or a near-whispered, Amen!” that only a fragile soul can hear gently in her mind, then yes, hello pep rally of some kind.
The truth that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works is receivable by all, including those acutely grieving, overwhelmed, frightened, burdened, suppressed and/or depressed. Of course, there are Sundays we don’t “feel” like roaring or bouncing a beach ball among the people gathered; this is more than understandable; but the joy of being fed, of embedding the Word of God within us and realizing God’s presence and power among us is exciting, affirming, healing, liberating and amazing. That we are extended grace and mercy as sinful souls is enough to cheer, however loudly or quietly we are in the moment.
PRAYER: Lord, like the famous children’s book with a similar title, help us think we can. We can be lit. We can be lifted. We can let Your love show and glow within us as we walk in the good works you have prepared for us. Amen!