Why We Should Be Okay With the Over-Exuberant Christian?
Have you ever seen a person go nuts for Jesus?
Generally, I think most of us are okay with dignified and appropriate behavior in church. For sure, going nuts is often frowned upon.
Remember, there was a woman in the New Testament accused of going nuts for Jesus. Scripture says she was known as a sinful woman, yet she lavishly poured out her worship on the Lord. Today, we might say she was a little over-exuberant in her worship.
“Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.’” Luke 7.39 (NASB)
We attend a church with over one thousand worshipers in weekend services. The music is contemporary and the worship lively. People from a multitude of faith backgrounds call this church home.
In worship experiences, you will see individuals in traditional Sunday attire while those across the aisle are wearing shorts and flip-flops. Some prefer to worship quietly. Others throw up their hands in exuberant praise to the Lord.
Many in our congregation are quick to let out a shout as the pastor preaches. Some will jump to their feet, pump a fist in the air, or even give a loud whistle. We are not bothered by any of this. We kind of like a rowdy crowd who does not mind going nuts for Jesus on occasion.
Growing up the daughter of a pastor-turned-traveling-preacher, I have seen it all in church. At least, I thought I had. Last year, I witnessed a first.
In a Sunday morning worship experience that included water baptism, a new Christian stepped into the pool positioned at the front of the auditorium. The pastor preparing to baptize him momentarily turned his back. Keep in mind there were several cameras projecting this scene onto large screens, as well as the service broadcasting live.
As Mr. New Christian stepped into the pool, several of his friends began to clap and cheer loudly. This got him excited. He quickly ripped his t-shirt off and began to swing it wildly over his head. It was all caught on screen.
We still laugh, remembering the look on the pastor’s face as he turned around and saw what was happening. He handled it well by motioning New Christian over to the right spot in the pool and baptizing him in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
A staff member was ready and waiting with a dry t-shirt as soon as the shirtless man emerged from the pool. His friends continued to rejoice loudly. Yes, the scene may have been a little too nuts for some seasoned churchgoers.
In Luke chapter seven, Jesus took the opportunity to teach on forgiveness—and on who was worthy to receive it. “Turning toward the woman, He said [to them], ‘Do you see this woman?’” {Luke 7.44}
Among the religious leaders and others present, there was open hostility towards this woman. They did not approve of who she was, her behavior, or the access she had to their Teacher. Jesus asked, “Do you see her?” How she has served me? Honored me? Given her costly worship to Me? What have you done but frown on her?
We must be careful about the tendency to frown on the people entering our churches, small groups, or other gatherings—those who act differently than we are comfortable with. If they are serious about seeking Jesus and receiving Him into their hearts, who are we to judge them for going nuts for their Lord? We were once sinners, too, and maybe over-exuberant for Him.
Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Luke 7.48 (NASB)