True worship, extended in the proper manner and spirit, will edify Christians. Worship that is not taken seriously is not only ineffective but also tends to wear us down spiritually. Whatever the exact meaning of 1 Corinthians 11:30 is ("For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."), it does show that altered worship (in this context the observance of the Lord's Supper) is serious.
For a good while, the attitude of Christians in worship has been becoming more casual, perhaps too casual. Some equate worship assemblies with mundane efforts like attending school or going to work. But worship should be the most significant event of our lives. Psalm 27:4 says, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple" (cp. Psalm 138:2; Acts 2:42-47). When saints assemble, the Lord is with them. Therefore, whatever impedes His people from worshiping Him affects Him.
Any problem in worshiping God is usually caused by a lack of appreciation for the holiness of worship. That lack of love or desire may have first developed because someone made them attend. What my intent is in this article is to get you to see the need for seeing worship as God sees it, then altering your heart and actions to make it more special. When it is more special to you, it will be more special to God. In that way, you will grow, and more importantly, you will want to worship. Let's think about what we need to watch and then see what a casual attitude does.
Areas We Need To Watch
First, let's watch how we act. It is easy to demonize the Internet and talk about how members now text, check/post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter during the assembly, but the truth is, distractions in worship have been around a long time. I have seen and regrettably participated in talking, giggling, laughing, gazing around, punching each other, passing notes, sleeping, going multiple times to the restroom, clipping fingernails, making grocery lists, habitually running late, etc., for as long as I can remember. The gospel message is the "word of life" that should be searched and meditated on (Philippians 2:16; Isaiah 34:16). Allowing yourself to become easily distracted betrays an interest that is not very strong. Furthermore, some have used "experience enhancers" such as clapping at baptisms, hand-raising/waving, light-dimming, etc. in their assemblies. True reverence and respect for God comes from our heart, not what we work up using external stimuli. One last area we should watch is providing play time for small children during the worship assembly (denominations call it "Children's Church") instead of letting them listen to the sermon and learning to act appropriately.
Second, let's watch how we dress. One might think it goes without saying in the worship assembly, but we must dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:1-7). No one who respects the Lord and their bodies will be seen among Christians in revealing or tight outfits. When God clothed the priests in Exodus 28-29, He put them in clothing that was both modest and showed respect toward their office. I know it is in the Old Testament, but could we not learn from how God wanted His servants to look? Denominational churches have advocated that "you don't have to dress up; it's just church." It's interesting that people who go to funerals will dress in ways they never have before because they realize the importance and solemnity of the occasion. What about worship to our Almighty God? From my observation, there has been a tendency toward casual dress which I fear indicates (but I realize that it does not conclusively prove) a casual attitude toward our worship and other areas of service to God. This is an area where care has to be exercised. There are many matters that are opinion to brethren, but are not a part of the revealed "faith" of the Bible. One needs to recognize the difference between faith and opinion. "The faith" is the body of teaching or doctrine which we must obey and follow in order to be saved (Acts 6:7; 13:8; 16:5; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Colossians 1:23; 2 Timothy 4:7; Jude 3). Opinion is an impression resting on human judgment, without clear and satisfactory testimony. An opinion may be a very strong impression, but it is based on a deduction or inference from a passage or passages of scripture. Through the years, brethren have had varying opinions on men having facial hair or wearing coats and ties when waiting on the Lord's table, women wearing slacks in the assemblies, men wearing jeans or casual shirts, etc. However, if the clothing is modest and it shows respect by virtue of being the best we have, then we cannot argue the point.
Third, let's watch how we speak. Even conscientious, godly brethren let their mouths get the best of them. The person who slanders and backbites is a fool (Proverbs 10:18). The wicked love ungodly speech (Psalm 52:4), so keep your mouth from speaking wickedness (Psalm 34:13; 1 Peter 3:10). Proverbs 25:23 guarantees that words like these will cause problems in a congregation (Proverbs 25:23). If you allow evil out of your mouth, it will demonstrate to everyone the condition of your heart (Luke 6:45). On the other hand, Christians appreciate men who take the time to speak publicly in a way that is thought-provoking, not cliche (Colossians 4:6). Christians also appreciate preachers and teachers who speak sound words in the assembly (sermons and Bible classes) that are consistent with sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6, 13, 16; 6:3; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 7, 10).
What A Casual Attitude Shows
First, it shows a lack of respect for the speaker. The preacher or Bible class teacher deserves respect because of the word they present (Nehemiah 8:5-8; Hebrews 12:25-26). When people act improperly during preaching or in a Bible class, they have a disregard for both the messenger and the message. How would you like to have the situation reversed (Matthew 7:12)? Many young and old view the speaker with the same attitude as they would a secular teacher. They refuse the message by saying, "It's boring." Do you actively work at holding your attention? The Bible is interesting on its own. Although the preacher and teacher must do their part to be engaging, sermons and especially classes are two-way streets.
Second, it shows a lack of respect for parents. For the young people, your parents have often sacrificed to give you life, to care for you when you could not care for yourself, to clothe you, feed you, and stand by you. How do you think it makes them feel to learn that you are a disturbance in assemblies or in classes (Proverbs 15:5)?
Third, it shows a lack of respect for other worshipers. It is hard to teach and to listen when there are distractions and disruptions. Visitors may be watching your actions and judging not only your congregation, but the Lord's church in general. I know it may not seem fair, but it is reality.
Fourth, it shows a lack of maturity. Although young people like to think they are older than they are, when they misbehave, they are behaving like children. When adults misbehave, they show their carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 5:11). Someone once said, "You're never too old to grow up."
Fifth, it shows a lack of respect for God. Worship assemblies are for the purpose of praising and honoring God (Psalm 44:8). However, the previously mentioned actions show a disrespect for God, and the behavior could cause you to lose your soul.
William Temple, the archbishop of Canterbury, defined worship as "quickening the conscience by the holiness of God, feeding the mind with the truth of God, purging the imagination by the beauty of God, opening the heart to the love of God, and devoting the will to the purpose of God." Our actions can either hinder us or others from realizing that worth and value, or it can increase it. Worship is a tremendous privilege that should be guarded with love, zeal, and a realization of its worth and value (Psalm 29:2; 56:10).
- Truth Magazine, May, 2015