Wanted:
People with passionate hearts for God, and people who want passionate hearts for God.
When I think of passionate worship, I think of many things – like enthusiastic singing, celebration of the sacraments, multi-generations participating together, emotional and physical responses, and a large dose of delight. And as I reflect on people who have crossed my path who are truly passionate worshipers, one person stands out in my mind as a passionate worshiper with a passionate heart for God.
The story of Ian
Ian is the son of the organist at a church in Idaho. When Ian was 18, after finishing High School, he kind of felt lost at the church and was looking for a group to connect with. One day, Ian’s mother came in to rehearsal and announced with some trepidation, “Ian wants to join the choir… but Ian can’t sing!” You see, Ian is autistic.
And it was true – Ian couldn’t sing! But he was warmly welcomed into the choir anyway. And what happened after that was a miracle. Because Ian wasn’t concerned about what other people might think about him, Ian was comfortable expressing his love and worship to God. All those around him, and all those in the congregation were witness to Ian’s deep love for God. People were blessed; lives were affected. What a beautiful miracle.
I bet you thought it was going to end up that Ian could sing after all. Nope. (Although, his range of “notes” did increase a bit.)
The moral of this true story is that passionate worship isn’t concerned with what anyone else will think. Worship is for God. Period. It only matters what God thinks – and if you are expressing your love and adoration of God, God will be pleased.
Blessings,
Julie
