Freeloading Worshippers
I do not know what you think of when you see or hear the word “freeloader.” The web site www.dictionary.com defines a freeloader as one who takes advantage of others for free food, entertainment etc. Maybe this is the co-worker who regularly bums a free smoke from anyone they can or the guy holding the “will work for food… But would rather not” sign at the corner of a busy intersection.
Its origin? Well, no real surprise it is an Americanism. The word was first on the scene in the 1950’s. A freeloader has been referred to as a parasite (although that’s a little harsh), or an oxygen thief (now that’s funny) or maybe even better…A teenager (now that’s just not fair… but funny).
I suppose society will always have its fill of freeloaders and to some degree we all seem to accept it as a normal part of life. While that may be just fine as a society, it should be less expected and certainly less reasonable for the church to have “freeloading worshippers.”
True authentic worship begins when we come into contact with God through Jesus Christ. Notice I said “begins.” The coming into contact with God is followed by a response. We respond by prizing God, by ascribing worth to God which includes words, attitudes and actions. When Isaiah was given a vision of God’s majesty he responded with an overwhelming realization of his unworthiness. Isaiah experienced repentance and cleansing at the very site and experience of God’s presence (Isaiah 6:1-8). This is authentic worship.
But notice, authentic worship is always followed by sacrificial service. Isaiah authentically experienced God and responded accordingly with humility, repentance and also service. The worship experience of Isaiah 6 concluded with Isaiah’s words “Here I am, send me.”
Each Sunday as we gather as a church body, we too desire the same transforming experience of Isaiah. We together thank God for his goodness and his mercy and we enjoy singing praises to God as our hearts become knit in our worship of Him. A great sign of authentic worship is that our hearts also become knit together in service. Authentic worship will always produce a willingness to serve sacrificially. Let’s never freeload on the abundance of God’s kindness to us. Instead, let’s be living examples of worship. While freeloader may be an Americanism, let’s never allow it to be a Verde-ism.
