"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." (Rom. 12:8-10) Verse 10 in other translations - "Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other." - "Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle." - "Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another." - "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
I ask, "Could we have seen 'worship wars', which were actually music style wars, in any church where this verse was being put to practice?" Mature Christianity displays honoring others more than ourselves and even putting their preferences above our own desires." Any so-called "worship wars" could be totally avoided by one verse.
Christmas and Worship are both family time. Family is very important to both celebrations. We all have experienced the give and take and sometimes honoring others' traditions and desires when we celebrate Christmas as a family. And you know, it is good...well, usually. The Christ-like way is not necessarily always conceding, but it is an attitude of Godly submission and humility. A family is made up of many different ages and generations and we give to one another not only gifts, but the gift of honoring one another's wishes and desires as we celebrate together.
Worship should be so informed. It is the gathered family of God with an attitude of honoring others over our own selfish desires or preferences. How we need to remember that there is worship music that may not speak to us, but yet at the same time touches someone else very deeply. Ultimately worship is not about a style of worship or music. It is about Him. And, if we are tuned to Him when we enter, we will worship. Worship for the body of Christ is about a very important family gathering. Let's not lose sight of that. mjm
