Emotion
A real part of life is emotion. Emotion is exhibited in every part of our lives. Those afflicted in some way in which they lack all emotions is a somewhat rare, but real thing. The medical term for this is Alexithymia, and is defined as the inability to recognize emotions and their subtleties and textures. Alexithymia throws a monkey wrench into a person's ability to know their own self-experience or understand the intricacies of what others feel and think. Those few that are so affected, miss out on all the positive “feelings” of life such as happiness.
Whether or not people participate in, or realize it, religion is indeed a part of life. The term religion, as defined by Miriam Webster is: (1) a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. (2a) the service and worship of God or the supernatural. (2b) commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance. (3) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.
Because religion is part of life, and emotions are a part of life, emotion is also a part of religion. The Bible, God’s Written Communication to man to direct man, contains many words, such as happy, sad, afraid, glad, confident, and careful (meaning anxious), among others, that indicate emotions.
Worship, in definition and in fact, is also part of religion. Therefore, we are aware that emotions will be exhibited as we gather to worship God. But this does not mean that we can allow our emotions to control our worship. God has clearly defined true worship in His Word, as Jesus stated in John 4:23-24. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The “spirit” is the mind, and “in truth” is in accordance to the Word of God. Jesus, in His prayer of John 17:17 said: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. We must worship as His Word directs.
So, how are we, in accordance to God’s Word, to properly utilize our God-given emotions in Worship to Him? We must “control” our emotions so as to not allow them to overcome us and direct us. However, there are some God-given emotions that are permitted and expected in the realm of “true” worship to Him. In Psalm 100:2 we find the Spirit having the sweet singer of Israel write: Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Singing takes place inward (in the mind), as well as outward with the mouth. Outward gladness manifests happiness, and often produces song. Gladness defined is: experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight.
We can clearly see from Psalm 1:1-2, in what our delight should rest. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Then we see from verse three, the benefit of so doing. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
This “delight” transcends worship, and is to carry over into the rest of our lives as well. This is the idea conveyed in Philippians 4:4 as the Spirit had Paul write to the Christians in that city. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. We do know that all of life is not “delightful”, as we all are subject to pain, discomfort and suffering. However, 1Peter 3:13-14 clearly shows we still can have happiness during times of difficulty. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
Should not every Christian “delight” in being able to help others find the joy that comes from obeying and serving God as He has directed in His Word? Christians are commanded in 1Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: The only way to be able to answer those who seek the truth is to know God’s Word. The Psalmist was also directed by the Spirit in Psalm 112:1 to remind God’s people where happiness for the follower of God originates. Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Emotions are manifested (made known) by our actions. One way in which the Christian can show his/her happiness is singing. Hebrews 2:12 shows this to be the case. Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. Also, James 5:13, reminds us of different reactions to the “feelings” we have as we live, and while we worship. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Our emotions are ours to control, as are our actions. They are a part of the “inward man” in 2Corinthians 4:16 of which the Spirit had Paul speak, because they come from within. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. This also helps us see that we are to work on controlling our emotions daily, including the day of worship God set up for the New Testament.
Let’s properly show our happiness and joy in our faithful service and worship to God.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
