Stand Up, Sit Down, Fight, Fight, Fight!

Couldn’t help myself. That’s the end of an old cheer from high school that i was reminded of

when i realized it was time to repeat that worship on Sunday morning is personal but corporate.

In other words, though it is your own expression of your love for God it is in concert with all

those around you, and the amazing way God geometrically increases the power of that

expression because we are together is quite something.

And that has what to do with the old high school cheer you might be asking? Some have

expressed to me that they feel hesitant to stand in worship when others are not standing, so they

want me to tell all of you to stand. And i want to tell you instead you should do that which fits

your worship at the moment. We are not as expressive as some churches so i rarely see anyone

on their knees or their faces, though at times i suspect that is where they should be. But for those

who can comfortably stand, surely there are times when you belong on your feet, singing your

heart out to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings who gives you life. I will remind you of my

rock concert analogy (because newer folks haven’t heard it): the band begins a familiar tune and

as one the audience jumps up in a combination of celebration and worship that might be

misdirected but is clearly a natural response. It is your body yelling Alleluia! Clapping hands do

that, too. (And it is legal in our church.) Sometimes raising your hands gives you the sense of

reaching out to God and knowing he is reaching down to you. David was a hand raiser. He was

also a dancer (e.g., II Samuel 6). Free yourself from convention and concern about what Aunt

Tata might think and party!

I don’t want to tell you to stand because then i am telling you to pretend you are celebrating the

Creator. I don’t want you to pretend. If you feel like celebrating (and sometimes the doing might

precede the feeling) get on your feet and dance. Well, at least get on your feet and sing.

In the liturgical church everyone stands when the Gospel is read because the words in red are

there, the Word is in the words. It is a matter of respecting the presence of Holiness. You might

try that some time.

And when it is time for you to be more meditative (if you had room you might be on your

knees/face) then be seated and worship and adore The One Who Is. (Sometimes i will tell you to

sit because you don’t know what is next and you are still ready to celebrate but we are shifting

gears, so we have to get artificial for a moment.)

No asterisk in the bulletin. Nobody saying “Stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight.” Just simple,

holy, truthful personal-but-corporate worship. And i think Jesus said something about failing to

do what you know you should do to respond to Him. So let the Spirit guide you into real

worship. And if you find yourself standing (or sitting) alone remember you are in the presence of

God and what others are doing only matters as it increases your praise. Worship!

mike redman