Many places in scripture we find attitude connected to worship. One of the main passages on attitude in general is found in Philippians 2. We are challenged in the first part of this chapter to have the attitude or the "mind" of Christ, as some translations say. In 2 Chronicles 7:3 we find the ultimate attitude of worship in the idea of "prostration before the Lord." Found in both of these passages the ultimate attitude of worship is none other than humility.
The worship "wars" we have seen in our generation do not reflect what we see in Philippians 2. In having the attitude of Christ we are challenged to be tender and compassionate. We are challenged to agree whole heartedly, love one another, and work together with one mind and purpose . . . the glory of God.
Then in v. 3 we are challenged to not be selfish; to not try to impress others and to think of others as better than ourselves. Don't look only for our own interests, but take an interest in others, too. In all of this we are challenged to have the same attitude that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ had.
In that attitude . . . there is no place for "prima donnas" in soloists, worship leaders, or worship leading choirs. There is no place for saying, "My style of worship, or my style of music and personal taste is better than yours." I believe strongly that because the body of Christ is intergenerational, that both young and old need to practice the attitude of Christ in worship. God is a multifaceted God and we are a multifaceted people. Why would our worship not also be very multifaceted? We all can learn and grow as we yield to one another in our worship practices; as we humble ourselves before the Lord. These attitudes of worship among God's people will culminate in every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father! (v.11) May we all check our worship attitude with the principles in Philippians 2. mjm
