In the realm of worship, King David serves as a powerful example of someone with a heart fully devoted to God. He was unafraid to set aside his dignity and become "even more undignified" in his worship because he recognized the worthiness of God. However, there is another side to this story—a cautionary tale that teaches us an important lesson about the danger of criticizing dancing in worship.
Let's take a moment to reflect on the story of Michal, David's wife. From the window of her house, she witnessed David's exuberant dance before the Lord and felt nothing but disgust. She despised his passionate display of love for God and couldn't contain her resentment. Confronting David upon his return, she let her criticism of his extravagant worship. Little did she know that her words would have far-reaching consequences.
Michal's barrenness, her inability to bear children, was a direct result of her criticism towards her husband's worship of God. It's a sobering reminder that criticism always leads to barrenness in our lives. This unfortunate outcome reveals the destructive power of judgment and negative words when directed at the heartfelt expressions of worship.
The impact of this lesson struck me personally many years ago when my husband and I stumbled upon a worship video online. We came across a man playing a conch shell, and confusion immediately took hold of us. We began to mock and ridicule the unconventional form of worship we witnessed. Regrettably, we didn't stop there. We shared it with others, inviting them to join in our criticism and laughter. It became an inside joke that persisted for months.
Then came the day when God decided to teach us a lesson—a lesson that shook us to the core. While watching one of our favorite preachers, he shared a powerful encounter that had marked his life. As he described the experience, my husband and I instantly recognized the exact worship video we had once ridiculed. To our astonishment, this seemingly odd worship set had not only impacted our beloved preacher but had also served as a defining moment for numerous renowned ministers. Testimonies began pouring in, attesting to how that worship leader had transformed the lives of people we deeply admired.
Our hearts were filled with remorse, and we immediately repented of our ignorant and sinful criticism. God led us to 2 Samuel 6, where we gained further insight into the consequences of our actions. Barrenness, we discovered, extended beyond the physical inability to conceive. Criticism breeds barrenness in every area of our lives—our careers, callings, finances, and more. No one is exempt from this reality, and we cannot expect God's approval while we tear down someone else's worship of Him.
Whether it's dancing or any other form of worship, criticizing these heartfelt expressions brings barrenness upon ourselves. It robs us of joy, peace, and blessings. Is it truly worth harboring bitterness and resentment for the rest of our lives? Instead of focusing on how others choose to worship, let us reflect on our own surrender and devotion to the Creator of the universe. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, let us seek ways to deepen our own connection with God, surrendering in obedience and falling ever more in love with Him.
To serve as a constant reminder of our transformation, my husband and I acquired a conch shell—a symbol of the worship we had once ridiculed. We keep it prominently displayed as a tangible representation of our commitment to never criticize someone else's worship again. We eagerly share our story with others, hoping to prevent them from making the same mistake.
If we desire to become true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth, we must lay down the pride and selfishness that drives us to compare ourselves to others. Criticism, at its core, is a futile attempt to compensate for our own shortcomings and lack of wholehearted worship and surrender.
Instead, let us embrace a heart of humility and awe as we approach God in worship. Let us remember that worship is a beautiful and deeply personal expression of our love for Him. Who are we to judge how others choose to surrender and worship the Almighty? Our focus should always be on God and how we respond to His presence, rather than fixating on the actions of those around us.
When doubts or temptations to criticize arise, redirect your gaze to the One who deserves our utmost devotion. Seek ways to cultivate a genuine and intimate connection with Him. Engage in heartfelt worship that reflects your unique relationship with God. Let your worship be marked by surrender, obedience, and an ever-growing love for the One who created and redeemed us.
As we learn from the cautionary tale of Michal and the lesson God taught me and my husband, let us not allow criticism to poison our lives. Barrenness in its various forms can seep into every area of our existence when we choose to tear down rather than build up. Instead, let our words and actions be filled with grace, encouragement, and support for our fellow worshipers.
So, the next time you are tempted to criticize someone's dancing, singing, or any other form of worship, remember the lesson from Michal's life. Remember the consequences of barrenness that accompany such judgment. Choose to foster an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration, where each person is free to express their love for God in their own unique way.
May our lives be marked by humility, love, and a deep reverence for the God we worship. May we become true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth, laying down our pride and selfishness for the sake of experiencing the fullness of God's presence and blessings.
In the end, let us be known as a community that uplifts, supports, and encourages one another in our worship, rather than one that tears down and criticizes. For in embracing a heart of worship, we find fulfillment, joy, and a deeper connection with the One who created us for this very purpose.
