I stood in the back with the sound guys and watched as over
100 children laughed and cheered, and sang their little hearts out.
With the faith of a
child.
They danced and followed the motions to go with the words of
the songs. They didn’t care if anyone was watching.
They sang and danced for Jesus without any inhibitions. They
didn’t hold back and they weren’t embarrassed.
And it made me wonder…when do we lose that? Is it in grade
school when we start feeling judged and worry about being made fun of? Or even
before that?
As adults, aren’t we still like that? Worried about what
someone else will think if we sing out loud. Looking around to see who might
hear us praising Jesus at the top of our voices. And dancing? Certainly not.
I continued to take it all in as the sound guys and I sang
along with the children. That’s when I noticed the teens helping the different
aged groups of kids.
They were singing and motioning along with just as much energy
as the kids. Teenagers. Not concerned with how they looked at that moment. Not
focused on cell phones and selfies.
With the faith of a
child.
There was an energy in the room that made me return the next
two mornings.
I thought of David who danced for the Lord with no concern
for what he looked like or what people thought. His wife, Michal, didn’t like
it and told him so in no uncertain terms. (2 Samuel 6:14-22)
But David was undeterred.
David replied to Michal, “In God’s presence I’ll dance all I want! He chose me over your father and the rest of our family and made me prince over God’s people, over Israel. Oh yes, I’ll dance to God’s glory—more recklessly even than this. And as far as I’m concerned . . . I’ll gladly look like a fool . . ..” 2 Samuel 6:21-22a The Message
David danced before the Lord and didn’t care if others
thought he looked foolish. He danced and praised God, and others saw his
example.
Michal judged David. Others will judge us.
But David danced for an audience of One. So do we.
Maybe it takes the faith of a child…before the concern is
what others think.
Or maybe it takes faith like David’s…regardless of what
others think.
Joining the children for worship was the best part of my
work week. It reminded me that when I serve God, and offer Him what little I
have to give, it doesn’t matter what others think.
It’s what God thinks that matters.
In Christ,
Laura
Linking up with: Weekend Whispers, Give Me Grace, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #SmallWonder, #RaRaLinkup, #TellHisStory
Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking post.
ReplyDeleteIt really caused me to pause and think about my own behavior around "adults". When I would teach little ones in Sunday School I was most comfortable when it was just me and the kids. As soon as another adult was part of the mix, I suddenly found myself much more self-conscious and lacking confidence in myself. I don't know if it is because adults are judgmental, but then again, certainly teenagers can fit that category.
Your post is causing me to do some soul-searching about this very thing. Thanks so much for sharing such an edifying post!
Thank you Karen. I know what you mean about feeling more self-conscious around other adults than young children. We can be so hard on ourselves and each other. God bless!
DeleteI love how children are so free and spontaneous in expressing their feelings and their worship. It's sad that we lose that as we get older and that we worry about what others think. I'm not sure how we get over that. I suppose the more we focus on God the less we will worry about other people.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Carly. It's hard to get past because we know how judgmental our world is. I think focusing on God is key. It's also making me think about how I act...do others feel self-conscious because of me? I certainly don't want that, so it's a good self-check.
DeleteBlessings to you!
I don't remember when I first started being conscientious - but I know I was young and it felt out of self-preservation. I don't know how to untangle it, and pray that God can free me because I admire people who can dance and praise. I wondered at one time, if maybe, I dance and praise like that but with my writing:)
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point here! I've had the same thought about my writing as praise and worship to God. While I feel God leading me to write, I can certainly get self-conscious about what others might think, or compare myself to other writers. It can be paralyzing. But, if God is leading, then I have to not give in to doubt and worry about being judged. Thanks so much for your comment!
DeleteNice - good reflections. . . next time we dance with the kids!
ReplyDeleteYou got it!
Deleteso true - far too inhibited at almost 64 - it's time (almost) to begin wearing purple and worshipping without worrying ! thanks, laura - next to you at rara this beautiful morning in CA.
ReplyDeleteI know I too often let embarrassment and pride get in my way of expressing my faith as a child. Thanks for the reminder that it's okay to let go and be like kids at VBS again. :) I remember how fun those days were drinking kool-aid and eating sugar cookies.
ReplyDelete"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these!"
ReplyDelete