I have a distinct memory from
college days that came to mind recently. Houghton is a Christian liberal arts
college and, from time to time, Christian artists were brought in for concerts.
The mid-70’s were the “early days” of contemporary Christian music, so it was a
pretty big deal. The groups that came then may not be well-known compared to
today’s massive Christian music industry performers, but back then we
considered them “big”. One night Joanne and I went to a concert by a group
called “The Second Chapter of Acts”. Their music was quite popular among young
Christians at the time and the college chapel was packed out. It was so crowded
that we had to sit near the back of the balcony. Still pretty good seats,
though. We were enjoying ourselves when a girl behind us decided that the event
was a “sing-along”. She was quite a fan. She knew every one of their songs by
heart and was bursting to join in. The problem was… everyone else was there to
listen. Her enjoyment was ultimately selfish and led to the diminished
enjoyment and frustration of all those around her. What would you have done?
Give her a dirty look? Tell her to shut up? Clear your throat in an exaggerated
manner?
Forty years later I live in the age
of the selfie. It’s not a bad thing to capture moments with photos, but the narcissistic
spirit of the age comes through from time to time when someone thinks they are
the star of the show and not someone else that others have paid to see. At the
2013 College World Series two young ladies rushed out on the field to take a
selfie, later posting a video of themselves being tackled by security and
earning Internet fame in the process. It probably never occurred to the young
ladies that all the people who dropped good money to watch skilled athletes
compete for a national championship were not actually there to see them.
Something significant was taking place on that field, but in their minds the
field was their stage and this was their time. Can you imagine the bat boy for the
Red Sox thinking on opening day at Fenway, “Look at all these people who came
out to see me today!”? Or an uninvited usher jumping on stage to become a
player in a Broadway show? Statistics are not kept on bat boys. Playbills do
not list the names of ushers. Someone and something else is the object and
focus of the crowd’s interest.
When you and I worship God, I pray
that He is the focus of our attention and affection. May He be glorified by
those who do not seek to be the center of attraction, but only wish to lift up
Christ and make Him to be prominent, and to be known, loved, and adored. May
Jesus Christ get the praise and the honor from us. After all, when we gather to
worship, that’s what we’re all there for. Right?
Psalm 145:1-7 (NIV) 1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will
praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will
praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great
is the LORD and most worthy of
praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One
generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty
acts. 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of
your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They
will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great
deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and
joyfully sing of your righteousness.
PRAYER: Father, be glorified by me, in me, and through
me, so that Jesus Christ may be seen and loved more. In His name, AMEN.”
Jesus
Christ is Lord!
Scott
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