The Dictionary defines the word “fun” as a sense of enjoyment or pleasure. That’s why I describe weekly worship in church as fun. Joy and pleasure are usually accompanied by smiling. Worshipping the Lord should be a joyous experience that makes you want to return.
The Old Testament has scenes of the people gathering in the temple, singing and dancing joyfully as they praise the Lord. The New Testament emphasizes even more this idea of the children of God having a good time in shared praise..
Having a good time in church is missing in a lot of places. I see “praise teams” and choirs sing joyful words, but there is no smile. In many contemporary churches a few people may be happily singing, but more people are blankly staring at words on a screen with no visible emotion. What happened to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Remember: the church was born in the good news surrounding the Resurrection.
When the black-suited Puritans descended on America with their long faces of judgement and declared Christian worship should be sad and serious, it was a backward step. There still remain segments of this negativism that would make worship a chore. In a world of pressure and sadness and political clashing, the church must offer a totally different atmosphere of freedom-giving worship. That kind of worship will release back into the community people who can bring a positive face to the citizenry.
In Matthew 5:29-31, Jesus is attacked by religious folks because he and the disciples had too much fun with “bad” people.
By contrast, Jesus described life in the Kingdom of God as being like a continuous wedding reception and all are invited. (Luke 14:15-16)
It is the joy of celebrating life with Jesus that reinforces us inwardly to deal with worldly sadness.
“Loving Father, when by faith we arrive at Heaven’s Gate, we will be
welcomed with “Enter the joy of he Lord.” Help us to practice now. Amen”
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