“This world can be saved from political chaos and collapse
by one thing only, and that is _______________.”
How would you fill in the blank?
A. Wise leadership?
B. Liberal generosity?
C. Open-hearted worship?
D. Unconditional love?
Before we consider the answer, let me introduce the author of that quote, William Temple, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1942-1944.
You may remember those were three of the six years when Great Britain and her allies fought against the Nazis. In fact, when Bishop Temple took office, England faced the real possibility of a German invasion.
Temple did not cloister himself within the church walls. He worked to aid Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany, supported a negotiated peace (instead of the unconditional surrender that Allied leaders desired), and traveled frequently throughout England, encouraging British citizens to take courage in their fight against evil and hold onto hope in God.
It was part of a radio broadcast during those grim days of German air attacks that Bishop Temple spoke about “one thing only.” His last word of that statement was Answer C, worship.
Now how did he expect a bit of hymn singing, scripture reading, and a sermon in church to make a difference?
He didn’t. Bishop Temple was referring more to personal worship than public.
His own definition of worship clarifies what he had in mind:
Imagine a world where each person worshiped God by:
- Submitting his conscience to God as David did, when he asked for a pure heart and steadfast spirit (Psalm 104:10).
- Seeking to fill his mind with the truth of God’s Word, recognizing that all his commands are trustworthy (Psalm 119:86a).
- Replacing negative, impure, unkind, and prejudiced thoughts with whatever is true, noble, pure, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
- Availing himself of God’s love and then imitating him—his mercy to forgive, his grace to provide, his benevolence to bless (Ephesians 5:1).
- Putting aside selfish desires and focusing effort on what God would have him achieve (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Surely there would be less animosity and power-grabbing in our world.
But I can’t point fingers at others when the truth is, I have yet to experience the fullness of what Bishop Temple asserted. An honest inventory of my life includes:
- A heart not consistently pure, and a spirit not always steadfast.
- Faith that sometimes falters in God’s trustworthy commands.
- Thoughts that can grovel in the negative.
- Choices and actions that do not always reflect God’s love.
- Selfishness that still rears its ugly head.
On the other hand, guilt is not what God intended as the motivation for worship.
No, he designed it to be a delight, not a duty. He wants to expand our joy (Psalm 16:11), provide rest and refuge (Psalm 91:1-2), bestow his strength (Psalm 138:2-3), and more–through the acts of worship. We short-change ourselves by neglecting its pleasure each day.
Perhaps there’s a reciprocal relationship among all these processes. As we worship God with our adoration and appreciation, praise and prayer, might those other aspects of worship highlighted by Bishop Temple–submission, faith, a renewed mind, love-in-action, and selflessness–be the result?
Might there be an upward spiral effect because, the more a person worships, the more she’ll be transformed? And the more she’s transformed, the purer and more passionate her worship will become?
The influence of such a person—even against political chaos and collapse—knows no bounds, as God magnifies the impact.
One thing only is necessary from each of us: worship—with all its many facets.
God will do the rest.
(Art & photo credits: www.wikipedia.org; http://www.twitter.com; http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.pixfuel.com.)
Reblogged from May 2, 2016.
From the Inside Out 
I feel everyone united in prayer and following Jesus example . Giving the glory to God. Janet
Yes, God uses our united prayers and Jesus-guided examples, sometimes when we’re unaware. Praise God for the opportunity he gives us!
I love William Temple’s description of what worshipping God should look like, Nancy. And you are right – the more we practice this type of worship, the greater are our chances of becoming much more Christ-like as we move forward in this life He has given us. And isn’t that what the Lord wants in the long run?
Tremendous reflection today, my friend.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. It’s my prayer that I might worship God in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:24 NIV) and be what he’s called me to be (Galatians 2:20). I know you’re praying the same!
What a great post Nancy
My dad and I used to talk of Gods economy at work within the human heart. The very last thing when all our doings are done is prayer and worship, Our last breath here can be of worship, the most powerful of all our doings. More powerful than any world leader and more useful to God and his movings. That is beyond our understanding and being we tend not to live that way we therefore do not really believe it, but rather suspect there’s something to it. That’s my assessment of myself.
Strong points, Gary. We can be like King Jehoshaphat and turn our hearts to praise and worship when trouble invades (2 Chronicles 20). The battle is too strong for us; it it GOD’S battle to win–and in the end, his victory is assured!
What a motivational blog! Thank you, Nancy.
Thank you, Diane. Praise God for his inspiration!
Jesus Only.
My grandparents had a little metal plaque that said those two words. They resonate especially these days when our culture wants us to define ourselves and each other by our political leanings and cultural preferences.
Jesus Only.
That’s a worthwhile plaque to keep in a highly visible place. We ARE under pressure these days to acquiesce to loud, insistent voices. And I have a feeling they’re going to become louder. With JESUS ONLY as our focus and our guide to the truth of his Word, we can remain strong and faithful to him. May it be so!
I would have not guessed worship but with your wonderful storytelling I now see why. Great story!
Thank you, Jean. I too was surprised by that quote, but quickly saw the logic of his statement. Now to remain faithful in my worship!
“God WILL do the rest”! Wringing my hands over the political chaos and collapse we are witnessing today is certainly not productive. Thanks so much for this reminder that all that is required from each of us is worship!
You’re welcome, Cheri. As I said to Jean above, now to remain faithful in my worship. The challenge is to pray my way through each day. I’m still on the learning curve!
What truth, and so needed today! I know that during a time of great hurt and stress in our lives, we moved toward healing when we found a body of believers with whom we could truly worship. It wasn’t more activity that brought healing…it was worship. Our chaotic world needs so much to really know and worship God, and so do I. Thank you, Nancy, for such great encouragement today.
You are so welcome, Patty. Praise God for his inspiration that sometimes comes through reading! You’ve brought to mind Philippians 4:8. The best antidote for stress is to think on the positive aspects of our amazing God and all the wonders he performs, thus providing much substance for worshipful praise. Thank you for reminding ME!
❤️❤️
I have found that everything works it’s way down to this:
And it is what Jesus said too.
Love GOD with ALL that is within you with ALL that you have. And love others as you love yourself. If you do this you do well.
Amen, Swan. Your strong voice of faith and experience is one we do well to heed!
Amen! Guilt is not intended to be God’s way to motivate us to worship. It should be a delight, not a duty. I’m embarrassed to say I chose the wrong answer. I picked unconditional love.
Oh yes–worship should be a delight! One way to experience that delight is to begin with gratitude. As for “unconditional love” being a wrong answer, I beg to disagree! It may not be Temple’s answer, but when the love of Christ motivates our words and actions toward others, miraculous things DO happen.