EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

 

I recently was a visitor at a friend’s church. The sermon was great! The music was inspiring!

During the worship my husband leaned over and whispered, “The drummer is really good.”

“Yes,” I said.

I had, literally, just had a thought pop into my head, “That is what worship should be like.”

I do not know the man, but I like him. He is a bit older than me, humble appearing and he wore overalls.

I have been to a lot of churches through the years in many locations. Some are flashier and louder than others, some very simple; drums, not drums; only a soloist, many people in band form or a single person with a guitar — there is all flavors of worshiping Jesus.

I once visited a very ostentatious one in Texas — remember, everything is bigger in Texas. I went away coining it the Abercrombie Church. It was a great worship experience, just different than I had ever experienced — very professionally theatrical.

We all have different likes and diverse ways to feel a close oneness with our Savior through music.

Psalms 98:4, King James Version (KJV): “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”

I liked the drummer man in overalls for more than one reason — likely it fits his lifestyle, I do not know him, maybe they are just comfortable. I like him because it makes all feel welcome, everyone. I like the drummer in overalls because he is playing for Jesus, not man. I like the overalls drummer because he was enjoying the drums and it showed. I like the overalls drummer because he was authentic.

We need to all be genuine. Our children are watching. Those hurt within the church are watching. The world is watching.

Jesus was authentic. If we are his followers and desire to be in his likeness, it is what we should strain to do and be.

1 Corinthians 11, New English Translation shares this, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

Robin (Beckman) Gudal, intentional in life, is a wife, momma, nana, friend, and a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus.