What does it mean to be “undignified” in worship? – 2 Samuel 6, Bonus Post

In 2 Samuel 6, David’s wife, Michal, confronts him, accusing him of “undignified” worship. David responds saying, “I will be even more undignified than this.” What is “undignified” worship?

My opinion is that David is not suggesting that wild dancing is the only way to worship God when a group of Christians comes together for worship.  He seems to be referring to freedom in worship. We should freely worship God.

But freedom in worship also means that we are not binding each other to one particular kind of worship, as if that one kind of worship is the best way.  Those who prefer to worship with expression should not look down on those who prefer to worship in a more reserved way.  What matters is not the outward appearance but the heart.  A person could easily be very expressive in worship, but doing so to draw attention to themselves, and thus they could be stealing glory from God.  This is why Jesus teaches in Matthew 6 that when we give, fast, and pray, we do so in such a way that we are not drawing attention to our good deeds, but we want God to be the focus.

We need to be careful here, because a person who prefers a reserved practice of worship could easily start to hold a grudge or a disdain in their hearts for people who are expressive.  That disdain is exactly what David confronts Michal about in 2 Samuel 6. 

It seems to me that the best position to take is the freedom of grace.  Those who prefer to be dignified in worship, be lavish in your grace toward those who prefer to be undignified.  Likewise those who prefer to be undignified, be lavish in your grace toward those who prefer to be dignified. 

All people should have a healthy self-awareness. Those who prefer to be dignified should seriously consider the words of David to Michal, “I will be even more undignified than this.”  Is it possible that those who are not expressive in worship could be more expressive?  Is it possible that those who are not expressive in worship are expressive in other venues?  Do you jump and cheer for joy when your sports team makes a big play?  Why do we not do this in worshiping God who is infinitely more important than a sports play?  What is holding you back?

Also, those who prefer to be undignified should be self-reflective.  Is there even a small part of you that wants the attention?  Is there even a small part of you that wants people to think that you are spiritual? Is it possible that you need a heart motivation check too?

Therefore when it comes to people who worship differently from you, bless one another with grace. Even if you think to yourself, “That person is making a fool of themselves,” or “Why is that person so stuck up?” have grace to them.

Photo by William White on Unsplash