Part 2: You say "will-worship" like it's a bad thing!

In my last post I responded to several articles in the newsletter "The RVing Christian" by Bro. Arlis Richardson (Volume 4, Number 6, June 2007) regarding some derogatory comments he made about the activities in our Christian community here at Adventureland. Let me say at the outset that I have no ill feelings about Bro. Arlis. He seems like a nice enough guy, and anyone who will wear those funky hats, has to be a fun-loving dude of some sort.

Brother Arlis labeled our activities "will-worship". He quoted, in one of his articles another article, apparently from another periodical ("Seek the Old Paths" by Garland Robinson, March 2007, page 19) which defines the term, "will-worship" as " . . . from a single original word which signifies that which has it’s origin in the will of men."

Brother Arlis then went on to equate us with the idol worshipers at Athens (Acts 17), and asserted that we are doing what we are doing to ease our consciences only. Last time I told you how I felt about what he said. This time I want talk about that term, "will-worship".

I have to confess that I had been unfamiliar with this term, even though it is taken from Colossians 2:23. It appears in those words only in the KJV, and having studied New Testament Greek, I have developed a preference for the more accurate versions. Let’s take a look for a moment, not just at Colossians 2:23, but at the whole paragraph.

"Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourself to regulations-- "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," all of which concern things which perish with the using -- according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion ("will worship" KJV), false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." (Colossians 2:20-23 NKJV)

So it seems that what he is talking about here is not pagan idol worshipers at all, or even necessarily those who hold worship services to assuage a guilty conscience, but about legalistic believers, who are imposing added rules and regulations to their faith.

But let’s talk about that term, "will-worship" for a moment. As we do, please understand that I do not intend my comments to be an exposition of Colossians 2, but an "expansion" of the idea of "will-worship".

I agree with Bro. Robinson’s comment that the term originates from a single Greek word and that it implies that which originates in the will of men. My first thought, however was, "Isn’t that, at least in part, what is supposed to happen?" Isn’t worship supposed to be an act of our will?

Jesus said, in response to a question from the Samaritan woman at the well, regarding where was the proper place to worship:

" . . . the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4: 23-24 NLT)

Isn’t this a part of what the Lord is saying? If I am going to worship in spirit and in truth, doesn’t that mean that I have to do so because I want to? Worship is, at least in part, an act of will, from a grateful heart; my spirit to His Spirit.

In II Timothy 3:5 Paul warns us about those who practice godly forms, but deny the power of God. Certainly these are they who do not worship in spirit and in truth. Certainly these fit the description of those he talks about in Colossians 2, not those of us who are experiencing the power of Christ in our lives. Paul further says in II Cor 3:6.

" He is the one who has enabled us to represent his new covenant. This is a covenant, not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life."

The Psalmist said:

"I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High."
(Psalm 9:1-2 NLT, italics added)

And so will I, brother Arlis. The pagans at Athens were worshiping an unknown god. I know my father God, I know the Lord Jesus Christ, I know the Holy Spirit. And I will worship Him, not only every Lord’s day, but every single day, 24/7/365!

So then brother Arlis, you’ve had your say, and I have had mine. It is time for us to move on, and pursue that common goal of teaching His word, and helping our brothers and sisters to stay connected to Him and to the Body of Christ as they travel and live in their RVs . Certainly you too know the Lord Jesus Christ, and know what His power can do. May God bless you in your efforts.

Thanks for sharing this moment with me today.