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“How Do We Know It Is Working?”
How Do We Know It Is Working?
Wade Webster
For the last several weeks we have been discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets a number of needs. In the fifth lesson, we noticed the need to avoid clanging. In the sixth lesson, we saw that two are better than one. In this lesson, we will see a number of tests that will prove if things are working.
How do you know if the gym is working? It seems to me that there are a number of tests that you can take. First, there is the mirror test. If the gym is working, the mirror will eventually show it. Muscle will appear and fat will disappear. Second, the scale test. Most of us probably hate stepping on to the scale. We hate it because the number is often going up instead of down. If the number is going down, it is much more enjoyable. I am speaking from personal experience. Third, there is the heart test. As you likely know, when doctors are looking for heart problems, they often put the patient through a stress test often involving a treadmill to see how their heart responds. If there are blockages or other problems they will usually show up. Fourth, there is the photo test. Most of us like the camera about as well as we like the scale. By comparing photos from before working out to a month or two in, it is easy to see the differences. Many people take a before and after picture. Fifth, there is the comment test. If the gym is working, people will often note that we look like we have lost weight. Obviously, this is very subjective. Sometimes, people will say what is clearly not so. I’ve had people say things about me having gained weight when I’ve lost weight or my losing weight when I’ve gained it. Still, the comments of people may reveal that things are working. Sixth, there is the strength test. When you are able to increase the weight that you are lifting from week to week or month to month that is proof that the gym is working. Seventh, there is the stamina test. When reps increase or we are able to extend the length of time that we walk or exercise, that is evidence that the gym is working.
How do we know that worship is working? No doubt, some of the same tests apply. First, there is the mirror test. Of course, the mirror is the word of God (Jam. 1:25). If we are growing in our relationship with God, then the mirror of God’s word will reveal it. Second, the scale will show it. Paul wrote, “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:7-8). If bodily exercise is profitable for a little, and we can see results from it, then we should certainly be able to see results from that which is far more profitable- godliness. Third, the heart will show it. Worship reveals if there are problems in the heart (Acts 8:20-21). Fourth, if worship is changing us, we should be able to see the difference between before and after. Fifth, if worship is benefiting us, others will likely notice it also (Acts 4:13). Sixth, if worship is changing us, then we will see growth in our strength (1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:10). Seventh, we will see growth in our stamina (Heb. 10:36; 12:1).
As we get ready to worship this week, let’s take a few tests to see how worship is working in our lives. If we are worshipping consistently and correctly, it is bound to be making a difference.
