Day Twelve: How Undignified is Your Worship?
2 Samuel 6:22,
I will become even more undignified that this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.
I used to have a little thing I would pray before I stepped on stage and it went something like this: “God I’m here to lead your congregation and declare your presence, so use me as you see fit. Even if it means embarrassment in my own eyes, use it for your glory.” Let me tell you… He took me up on it many times. I even quit praying it for a while because I feared what may come. However, I did see God use it. People appreciate authenticity and genuineness that can’t be faked.
One of my favorite stories and example of willingness to become embarrassed for the sake of God’s glory comes from one of my favorite worshipers, King David. He was so excited about the return of the ark to Jerusalem (the presence of God) that he really developed a worship experience for the day. A day of sacrifices, dancing, singing and celebration involving musical instruments. Man, how I would love to witness that.
There is a misconception surrounding this story about David dancing in his underwear, however, that is not the case. I wouldn’t put it past David to do such a thing, but scripture clearly states he wore a linen ephod. The ephod was a distinctive short sleeved garment that was associated with worship because it was what the priests wore while serving. So why does David’s wife Michal get so indignant about him doing such a thing? Because Michal, a daughter of royalty as well, thought it improper for a King to lower himself to the level of common folk or that of a priest. Think about it. Could you ever see a king or queen doing such an act? The fear would be losing all credibility with your subjects. David didn’t care. What he really wanted to demonstrate was his love for God. The man after God’s own heart. How many times have you refrained from showing any kind of enthusiasm during worship for the sake of losing credibility? It’s entered my mind many times.
Reading: 2 Samuel 6