Welcome! My mom and I saw Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Tauren Wells, Kim Walker-Smith, Christine D’Clario, and Pat Barrett in Cleveland on April 13. It was the first concert I’ve attended where every singer on the lineup took the stage on-time. Each artist had a chance to sing two of his or her biggest hits alone, but all the singers were on stage most of the concert. It was so great not having to wait to hear the headliner sing.
I enjoyed the first few songs, but within half an hour or so I started feeling out of place. I knew most of the songs by heart. I listen to Air1 and K-LOVE on the radio every day. I’ve even bought some of the songs they sang and listened to them on my smartphone.
But as I scanned the packed Wolstein Center, I realized I was one of few people not holding my hands in the air. Nor was I jumping up and down to the faster songs. I was surrounded by Christians, but I felt totally out of place.
I never fit in at parties as a teenager or young adult. I don’t drink, so there’s a major problem right off the bat. I don’t dance, either, so there’s another anomaly.
Here’s another way I’m different: I hate sports because competition of any sort turns me off. Competing with myself is the only contest I’m into. I always try to do as well or better than I did last time at whatever goal I’ve set. And in sports someone always has to lose. Someone has to go home crestfallen.
So you can imagine my surprise at feeling out of place at a Christian concert. It’s not that I don’t praise God. I just don’t shout my praises. I feel them in my heart and quietly thank God, either right away or during my designated prayer time. Many of my family members were raised Presbyterian. There’s no hand-waving in the Presbyterian church. I guess it’s in my blood to worship quietly.
I’ve tried to raise my hands in church and at concerts, but the best I can do is bend my arms up at my elbows. Even that irritates me. It’s insincere -- a public display.
I don’t think God smiles on that. I think He wants us to worship from our hearts. He doesn’t want us to raise our hands if it fills us with anger.
Chris Tomlin, the other artists, and the audience didn’t intend to make me feel uncomfortable. They worshipped honestly. I think worshipping from your heart is all that matters. Remember what God told Samuel? “‘People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
If you’re looking for a way to worship God from your heart, plan on attending a revival. Fallowfield is hosting evangelistic services April 25 through 27 at 6:30. Please come! We’ll feature the Reverend Doctor Michael Poke and the Reverend Doctor Fred Monk as speakers. Fallowfield’s choir is singing, our praise ensemble is playing, and Allen Jacobs is singing. If your spirit needs refreshing, please join us at least one of these nights.
Pastor Monk served at Fallowfield from 1998 until 2009. He knows his Bible forward and backward. I can’t wait to hear insightful preaching again.
Dr. Poke is a dynamic, inspiring preacher. Prepare to feel the Holy Spirit move when he speaks.
The spaghetti dinner at Fallowfield was a big success. We earned more than one thousand dollars. This will be donated to needy families in our area. Thanks for your support!
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!