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Praising God
Every morning begins the same in the St John household. Nothing is stirring except for the faint rumble of snoring. Then my three year old wakes up and begins to sing to himself. Now, as you probably know most three year old’s aren’t the best singers, but he just lays in bed singing his little heart out.
This morning he sang, “I love you Jesus, I love you God, I love you Mommy, I love you Leah (sister), I love you Joshua (Brother), I love you Daddy. And I love myself.” Out of the mouth of babes!
The thing is when we worship and praise God we say things like “I love you Lord.” That’s all good and well, but one thing my son reminded me today in his singing is that we are called to love one another as well as love God. That’s not to say that we should give our praise any man or woman, but when we sing “I love you Lord” do we hold resentment in our hearts towards others or do we love them unconditionally?
I play on the worship team in my church (I play the tool of ignorance… bass guitar) and I must admit there are weeks when I am holding major resentment and even hatred in my heart toward others. Should I therefore be worshiping God? I don’t think so, maybe seeking Him, but my worship is in vain if I proclaim to love God and yet despise my fellow man (or woman – just being PC!).
Our love for others should be an overflow of our love for God. And like my son I should be able to sing, “I love you Jesus. I love you God. And I love every one else!” A tall order to be sure but listen to these words…
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Cor. 13:1-3
So the next time you sing “I love you Lord” take a good look inside to see if there is anyone you have a problem with, anyone you can’t love, and ask the Lord to help you to love them. I know I will.
Christian St John M.Div, BChM, ACS
October, 2009
I like that he included himself in his list of “I love you’s.” Seems like a very healthy kid. Started with worship for God, included love for others, ended with himself, but didn’t leave himself out. Not a bad way to arrange priorities.
He sure is a smart little guy!
“tool of ignorance… bass guitar” – Hey! I take offense to that!
Hey, I’ve played bass on and off for over 20 years. I heard Blackie Lawless (WASP) call it that once and it just stuck. Sorry of I offended anyone!