Bored to Tears

​

Andrew Hill, professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, asks incoming students to describe the worship experience in their home church. He says, “Invariably and now predictably, the majority of students answering summarize their experience in one six-letter word beginning with b-‘boring!’” 

​

If something is unbelievably dull and uninteresting to the point that you lose interest, start daydreaming, and your eyes glaze over, you are bored to tears. Apparently, these students were bored to tears worshipping God. 

​

Worship is about God, not us. When we assemble, isn't it to honor and praise Him? “Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven” (Ps. 148:13). “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created” (Rev. 4:11). Yet when our concern becomes, “What can I get from it?” we make worship about us. Such a shallow, me-centered approach misses the primary point of worship.

​

Why is God the primary focus of our worship? Everything that exists falls into one of two categories: the Creator or His creation. Since God alone is the Creator, He alone is worthy of our worship. Think about it: God created all things out of nothing! “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth… Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him" (Ps. 33:6, 8). What other reasonable response could we make? So, “Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” (Ps. 95:6). 

​

So why are many modern-day worshippers bored to tears during worship? If you get bored worshipping God, may I suggest that it's not a commentary on the activities themselves, but on your heart? Having the opportunity to worship the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and hear truths about God ought to be the most exhilarating time of your week. If you're uninterested or indifferent, it’s not a commentary on the worship service; it’s a commentary on you. Karl Barth captured it well: “Christian worship is the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take place in human life.” And what a privilege it truly is!

​

Written by Craig Ressler