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Thankful for Different Strokes For Different Folks


I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you. (Psalm 35:18)

            How do you feel about praising or giving thanks to God in public? Do you "say grace" in restaurants? Do you tell people you'll pray for them? Do you kick that idea to the curb and pray for them right then and there? I grew up in a home of private people. In some ways, I'm more social than many of my closest relatives. I spent years in Church and years in Toastmasters, so I've conquered some of my challenges with "in public." To do what I want to do, and what I believe I'm called to do, I've had to. This isn't a criticism of my relatives. I believe God has called me to a different role and public is part of it.
           But don't ask me to go "too far." I don't worship with hands lifted. I don't put bumper stickers on my car. For years, I refused to wear religious jewelry because (I said) I didn't want people to judge the Church or of God because of my imperfect behavior. I'm not likely to meet or greet in Christianese or punctuate my pronouncements with "Hallelujah" or "Amen!" If you're one of the people who can or does do those things, more power to you.
           If, however, you are more private, let me point something out to you. Nowhere in this passage does it say "aloud." There are some people who quote verses like Mark 8:38: "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels" in order to justify their behavior. But being private is not the same as being ashamed.
            For me, lifting my hands in worship in public would be an attempt to please the men and women who accuse me of not loving God. It would make my worship a performance. I would have to wonder, am I lifting my hands at the right time? Do I have them up too long or not long enough? By standing still, even by standing with my arms crossed, I can turn my full attention on God, sending my praise and thanksgiving to Him in a focused, spiritual "laser." I can give thanks in the great assembly, and among throngs of people I can praise Him without seeking anyone else's approval.
           Again, I'm not suggesting that those who lift their hands, or who are more demonstrative are people-pleasers, or that they're not worshipping, praising or giving thanks. But I am thankful that God gives different ways for people to praise and give thanks. I am thankful that He allows us to praise and thank Him from our hearts (no matter what that looks like) instead of imposing scripted words and choreographed actions.

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