How can we guard against pride when observing others' expressions of worship? The Scene in Jerusalem 1 Chronicles 15:29 anchors our study: “As the ark of the covenant of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked down from a window, and when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.” David worships with unrestrained joy; Michal observes from a distance and lets contempt settle in. Her response warns us how quickly pride can taint our perception of others’ devotion. Spotting Michal’s Error • She stayed behind the window—physically and spiritually removed from the celebration. • She evaluated David by outward appearance, forgetting “man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). • Her heritage (daughter of Saul) may have fueled a superiority mindset, echoing the Pharisee who prayed, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men” (Luke 18:11–12). • The contempt she nursed became a settled attitude—she “despised him in her heart,” not merely disagreed with his method. Why Pride Sneaks In When We Watch Others Worship • Comfort with formality can make expressive worship feel threatening. • Fear of losing dignity (“What will people think if I worship like that?”) can morph into critique of those who risk it. • Comparison elevates self: “At least my worship is orderly.” But 1 Corinthians 4:7 asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?” • Unchecked judgments ignore Romans 14:4—“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls.” Practical Guardrails for Our Hearts • Approach every gathering with Philippians 2:3: “in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Shift from spectator to participant—step away from the window. Joining corporate praise leaves less room for arm-chair analysis. • Speak gratitude, not critique. Thank God for visible evidence of zeal instead of cataloging differences. • Recall the gospel daily: at the foot of the cross all stand equally needy (James 4:6, Psalm 51:17). • Default to charity: if a practice is biblically permissible, assume sincerity unless proven otherwise (1 Corinthians 13:7). • Invite the Spirit’s searchlight: “See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:24). Replace inner commentary with confession and dependence. Eyes Fixed on the Lord, Not on Performances • Hebrews 12:2 directs us to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” When He is our focal point, peripheral differences fade. • Colossians 3:12–14 calls us to “put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… over all these virtues put on love.” • Remember David’s aim: “I will celebrate before the LORD” (2 Samuel 6:21). The worshiper’s audience is God alone; so should be ours. A Closing Reflection Michal illustrates how prideful observation can sour the sweetest moment of worship. Instead, humility, gratitude, and Christ-centered focus guard our hearts. When the ark—God’s presence—moves among His people, let us dance, bow, sing, or stand in awe, rejoicing that the King is in our midst and refusing to let pride lock us behind any window. |
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