Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1 Cor. 14:26)
I’ve always felt self-conscious about raising my hands in worship, worried about appearing overzealous. Yet the desire to lift up the Lord with my body was often there, itching to be let loose.
While I had dabbled in hand-raising over the years, my hesitation felt antithetical to my love for the Lord. A few years ago, I determined not to let this illusory embarrassment keep me from my innate desire to worship with my body, my voice, and my heart in unison.
First Corinthians 14:26 says that each of us has something unique to offer in worship. Lest we think our gift isn’t important, the verse assures that these things “must be done so that the church may be built up.”
It’s no surprise that we are given to physical manifestations of worship. The Spirit is no timid force—he is the source of all life in our hearts and minds. God doesn’t work on a whim. He has a plan and, as part of his kingdom, we most certainly have a part to play in that. When we resist complete devotion to him, in whatever unique way he draws us near, we miss out.
Our worship—whether hymn or instruction, revelation or interpretation—is gifted to us “so that the church may be built up.” What a noble task.
Worship freely as a Spirit-cultivated gift from God.
Ericka Andersen Sylvester is a member of Waterline Church in Fishers (IN). She’s a wife and mom to two and enjoys writing, running, and podcasting.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
