Undignified Worship, Extravagant Praise
Do you have a critical attitude? Here is an online Bible Study to help you.
Please read: 2 Samuel 6:14-23
Sometimes during a study of Scripture, I come across a hidden nugget, tucked away in the midst of a treasure chest full of wisdom. While reading of David’s joyful exuberance as the ark was brought to the tabernacle safely, I learned that his wife Michal displayed a critical spirit toward her husband. She made fun of him for the way he worshiped the Lord. The scripture reveals the price Michal paid for this critical attitude toward her husband.
In answer to her criticism, David pointed out to Michal that he didn’t receive his kingship from her father or anyone else, but it was the LORD who appointed him. David, in essence was saying, “I can’t worry about what people think of my expression of worship and my outward show of joy over the Lord in my life. I’ve got to praise Him and give Him my all. Because He was the One who chose me.”
Life Lesson: Biblical perspective on the end times
Experience It: Living in the power of the Holy Spirit
Notice that in verse 22 David actually used the word “undignified”. Undignified! Now there’s the nugget that got my attention. Oh, that we would be willing to be undignified before people. Imagine what it would look like if our love for the Savior far surpassed the opinion of others.
I was reminded of another example in the New Testament of a sinner woman who bowed before Jesus. She, too, didn’t worry about what the people were thinking. She was overcome with the need to express her deepest heartfelt feelings and she was oblivious to anyone else that might have been present. She was caught up in her worship of the One who redeemed her and saved her from a life of destruction. This One who gave her hope was worthy of the time she spent praising Him. What did it matter who else was around?
What about us? For a moment, let us press “rewind” in our memory and recount your most recent attendance in the house of the Lord. What did you witness? What were you thinking as you sat among the congregation that morning? Did the pastor’s message stir you? Was Jesus calling you to a place of service or nudging you to follow up on a commitment previously made?
Friend, Jesus just wants us to spend time with Him; daily and often. He wants our undivided loyalty and worship. After all, we were on His mind as He made His way to Mount Calvary. Oh, we don’t need an extravagant bottle of perfume to pour out; We can just meet with Him and let our tears, like the costly fragrance, flow and declare our loyalty, love and praise for Him. Then, let us go out and tell others about this man called Jesus.
Father, forgive me for allowing other’s opinions to influence my worship of You. Grant me boldness to worship You in Spirit and Truth and to focus on You alone. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Questions: What would your worship look like if it was “undignified”? How do you worship God?
About the Author Phylenia G. French
Tags: ark, commitment, David, destruction, Jesus, Michal, Mount Calvary, New Testament, Phylenia G. French, Scripture, undignified, worship
thank you for this it sure came at a good time as i will be leaving for church in about an hour
hehe wow, God’s timing is truly funny. I just came back from a retreat a few hrs ago & at times during the retreat, I struggled with how not many individuals seemed too ‘into’ the worship & praise. I was just discussing with a friend how I struggled with letting myself freely worship God as I normally do, & not being concerned that I would distract others b/c I sang the songs. This message encouraged me (thank you, Lord!) & reminded me to not be embarassed or ashamed of worshipping God, & thanking Him for all He’s done. Thank you.