Three Question Devotional: Cow Tipping—Worship Music

Introduction:

There's a growing temptation in churches today to craft worship experiences around emotional affirmation, cultural relevance, and personal feelings. While our intentions may be good, we risk shifting our focus from God to ourselves, from biblical truth to emotional experience. True worship, however, is always God-centered, biblically grounded, and aimed at exalting Christ alone. Let's examine our hearts and practices by considering three key questions.

Question 1: Is My Worship Primarily About God's Glory or My Own Feelings?

Read Isaiah 6:2-3; Revelation 4:8

In Scripture, we see heavenly beings continually praising God, declaring, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty." Their worship is entirely focused on God's holiness and glory, not their own emotional needs or preferences. Yet, it's tempting for us to approach worship primarily seeking emotional affirmation or personal comfort. Do we find ourselves evaluating worship based on how it makes us feel, rather than how it exalts God?

Reflection:  

- When you worship, are you more concerned with God's glory or your own emotional experience?  

- How can you intentionally shift your focus to God’s holiness and majesty rather than your feelings?

Question 2: Is My Worship Grounded in Biblical Truth or Cultural Relevance?

Read Colossians 3:16

Paul instructs us to let the Word of Christ dwell richly among us as we worship through songs and hymns. Worship music must clearly and accurately communicate biblical truth. Yet, there is a temptation today to craft worship songs that are culturally relevant or emotionally affirming, often at the expense of biblical clarity and depth.

Reflection:  

- Does the content of your worship music clearly proclaim biblical truths, or does it primarily reflect personal experiences and cultural trends?  

- How can you become more discerning in evaluating worship songs according to Scripture?

Question 3: Does My Worship Seek to Edify Believers and Convict Unbelievers, or Just Comfort Everyone?

Read 1 Corinthians 14:26

Paul emphasizes that worship gatherings are meant to build up the church and bring conviction to unbelievers, not simply to make everyone comfortable or entertained. True worship is not about catering to the preferences of those who don't yet believe, but about clearly proclaiming God's truth in a way that challenges hearts and points people to Christ.

Reflection:  

- In your worship gatherings, do you prioritize biblical truth and spiritual edification over comfort and entertainment?  

- How can your church ensure that worship remains God-honoring, Christ-exalting, and biblically faithful?

Conclusion:

Let's commit ourselves anew to worship that mirrors the heavenly pattern—God-centered, biblically grounded, and Christ-exalting. May we resist the temptation to craft worship around human emotions, cultural relevance, or personal comfort. Instead, let us lift our eyes and hearts to the One who alone is worthy, declaring with all of heaven: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!"