The American Idol Church

In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 we read:

"In unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, 'He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,' then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God."

What brings the Glory of the Lord into the house of God? The answer is UNITY! You see - the singers were to "make themselves heard" with "one voice". More than anything - I believe the Father desires unity among his children. When we lift up a unified voice to the Lord, He responds! I hear it often in church... "Boy the service was a little flat today" or "Man I wish this or that would happen!"

If you want to see the Glory of God come down and fill the place with a cloud that keeps people from being able to stand we have got to COME TOGETHER!

Romans 15:5 NIV "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus..."

You see... we have become an american idol generation... following after Paula, Simon, Randy and "what's her name" in "judging" our worship services. Since when did we approach a worship leader to say "Hey, that was good... but you were a little pitchy" or "That was a fantastic service! That was a totally original song and that is just what we are looking for!"

If I am reading my bible correctly... His word says even the Tree's will worship His name, because HE is coming to judge! But He won't be judging on pitch, or originality or even the clothes we wear...

• Psalms 29:2 NIV

  "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."

He will judge us on the worship that was offered in UNITY to HIM. The directive is to ascribe Glory due HIS name. Not to judge man on a performance, but to make the focus HIM. Holiness means "to be separate" He wants to be worshipped in acknowledgement that there is no other like Him!

As you worship this Sunday, forget about American Idol, and performance, and all the other distractions of life and spend the time of worship giving your loving Father the Glory He is due... watch what happens to YOUR level of worship - when it becomes about Him... instead of about the men and women he has anointed to lead us to Him.

What is your worship about? American Idol or the Ultimate Judge?