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Worship songs. . .what are they really? Sometimes I think that some believe a worship song is only worshipful if it is orchestrated in such a way to make us feel a particular feeling or experience a sense of peace. I have found that worship songs are not about us, nor do they truly come about by us. “Come and Adore Him” is one such example.

One evening, for worship, there was a guest leader who asked the regular worship team to accompany him. I soon discovered he was trying to create a spiritual encounter. Every song seemed to focus on our emotions and as the songs went on, the focus on the leader grew. Soon, every song seemed to fall apart or showcase someone’s musical weakness -- everyone but the guest leader. As the time of “worship” was winding down the leader broke into prayer and I dove for the backstage curtain to make my escape. I was not only embarrassed, but frustrated at how hard we were pressed to create a “spiritual” environment.

I got my guitar from the office and fled to one of the rooms along the auditorium. It was there, in the dark, I began banging out chords and, in a frustrated voice, singing the words, “Come and adore Him on bended knee. . .” Before I could even figure out what was going on, I was playing, singing, and writing it all down on the dry erase board. The more I played it, the calmer I became. It was not about me anymore, or my feelings, or even about how crazy the last 40 minutes had been. . . it was about Christ. It was nothing more than humbly falling before the Lord, my King.

As long as man is man, he will seek praise and adoration. It is important that we not make worship into our image or the object of our worship. Also, we must guard against exalting those who lead us in worship to the place reserved only for the Lord. It is a continual heart check. When we understand worship is not music or a song but is, rather, the way we live our lives before a holy God, it is easier to not make "worship music" into an idol or an emotional experience. We have to continually turn away from the flesh, and all the emotions therein, and worship the One worthy of praise.

COME AND ADORE HIM