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| Volume 27 Number 10 October 2025 |
Page 13 |
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| Volume 27 Number 10 October 2025 |
Page 13 |
Will Worship
Howard Johnson
Will Worship has been defined as actions engaged in because they please the worshiper and not because the Lord commanded them. Who have we chosen to serve this day—ourselves unto damnation or our God unto eternal life?
Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion [“will worship” KJV], false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. (Colossians 2:20-23 NKJV)
There are some today in the church who insist that modern innovations can be scripturally introduced into worship. They attempt to reconcile their beliefs by stating their introductions are no different than the use of a community building for worship and the use of songbooks. These wayward children of God say that their introductions are merely expedients to the furthering of God’s Word.
Some of their introductions include the use of substitutions on the Lord’s Table, partaking of communion on days other than the first day of the week, the use of vocal groups (i.e, choirs) instead of congregational singing and drama performances instead of Gospel preaching. When compared to the teachings of the Bible, these introductions are nothing more than the product of those serving itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3).
This idea of a more modern form of worship is not a new concept. Paul openly rebuked the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:21–22, 34), warned the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28–31) and challenged those at Colosse (Colossians 2:20–23) not to worship after their own desires.
To worship after our own desires is to go completely against the concept of worship. Worship’s focus is toward God and, therefore, should be outlined and prescribed by His commands. God wants us to worship Him in Spirit and Truth (John 4:23–24). In spirit means a process dominated by the soul or spirit and is not designed to be seen by others, therefore excluding the modern innovations of vocal or choral groups or dramatized messages.
In truth means there is a pattern of truth that is to be understood and to be obeyed. This excludes the notion that we cannot possibly know for sure what we should do in worship. Consider the introductions in your congregation. Can the changes be reconciled with God’s Word? If so, welcome them. If not, are they merely an innovation of man for the entertaining of the fleshly lusts? The only will that should be considered in worship is God’s will.
[Editor’s Note: An expedient is something that aids in doing what God has already commanded, provided a divinely approved example or implied (e.g, songbooks, a place of worship, PA system). An innovation is something that is additional to or a thing that competes with what God authorized by command, example or implication (e.g., instrumental music, a missionary society). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
