But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NIV)
Last night, I attended a worship service that wasn’t held in a traditional church. About 40 people gathered in a real estate agent’s office, where a sound system, keyboard, microphones, and guitars were set up. We sang, and the vocalists and instrumentalists created new songs as we basked in the presence of the Lord. There was no sermon or the typical elements of a church service—we simply came together to worship. Some stood, some sat; some sang energetically, while others just soaked in the experience.
The atmosphere was one of freedom—a freedom to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. True freedom in worship isn’t about letting our emotions or flesh take over. It’s about surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. In this freedom, we have the opportunity to reflect on the Lord’s glory and serve him with our love.
Holy Spirit,
Today, we invite you to flood our churches with your presence. Purify our hearts and minds so that we approach your Throne of Glory with full freedom. Help us to hear, trust, and follow your Spirit as we worship you in spirit and in truth. As we contemplate you and your glory, help us to love you with our whole heart, mind, soul, and flesh. Pour out your freedom on your people and your chuches, we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14 NIV)