Losing control in worship

This is a tragic error in modern worship, where the “height” of worship is determined by uncontrollable bodily expression.

The roots of this kind of worship have to do with a self-serving and ungodly approach to God’s throne, as well as careless neglect and an outright refusal to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

Martin Luther sarcastically referred to these theological radicals as those who had “swallowed the Holy Spirit feathers and all.” By this, Luther was critiquing those who claimed that extreme, chaotic experiences were evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

He was cautioning against the idea that genuine worship involves emotional or physical loss of control, emphasizing instead that true worship should reflect reverence and order.

Luther’s critique aligns with Scripture’s call to worship in a way that honors God’s nature rather than prioritizing personal excitement.

The Bible is clear that worship should be organized and without confusion because that reflects God’s nature.

1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.