What is "extravagance?"
Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the word “extravagant” (adjective) as:
a. exceeding the limits of reason
b. lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint (praise)
c. extremely or excessively elaborate
d. spending much more than necessary
e. profuse, lavish
Thesaurus: spendthrift, overgenerous, wasteful, excessive, exaggerated, over-elaborate, overdone, ornate, showy.
Usually, when we hear this word, “extravagant!,” in the context of lifestyle, parties, outfits, performances and structures, immediately something negative pops in our mind, “wasteful!”.
I believe there is another context this word can be used that people, even Christians, have not looked seriously into—and that is in the realm of the WORSHIP of the one true GOD.
I am glad that today, WORSHIP is taking its rightful place in the life of the Church. It was once called “the missing jewel in the church” by one of my favorite authors, A.W. Tozer. But now, there is a worship explosion that is happening everywhere and books and teachings about worship have taken a deeper, more intimate meaning, such books both written by songwriters and powerful worship leaders include:Matt Redman’s, The Unquenchable Worshipper and Darlene Zschech’s, Extravagant Worship. What makes worship extravagant?
3 things based on my study of Luke 7:36-47
a. The Quality of the Offering v.37 b. The Richness of the Action v.38
c. The Depth of the Love Involved v.47
God is calling us to excessive worship. We are to be overgenerous in our praises to Him. Extravagant worship means to be elaborate in our offering of admiration to Him, our worship is to be over and above reasonable limits previously established. He deserves the best offering that we can offer, through the best possible way and with the deepest devotion involving our hearts.
If we need to add more instruments, let us. King David prepared a big choir for the Lord. Franklin Graham ministry is preparing for a 5,000 voice choir at the Luneta! (100 is enough perhaps but we want more for God!) If we need to give more and sacrifice more and be overgenerous and “foolish” so we could build a bigger sanctuary and expand God’s ministries, why not? This is our worship and once it is released, just like that Alabaster perfume, it cannot be stopped. There is no such thing as enough worship. Excessive worship should overflow in our lives. Walking, jumping, eating, drinking, singing and working… do it all with special caring, special gusto, special effort, run the extra mile, do it all extravagantly for the glory of our Lord.
Extravagant Worship! Oh I pray that I will become an extravagant worshipper. I envision our church to be an extravagant worshipper for the Lord. Be one yourself. In reality, what we give to God will truly last, what we withold from Him are ultimately wasted.
