We Have Become Stoic

Weldon Warnock
07/22/12 - Worship

One of the chief characteristics of the ancient Stoics (Acts 17:18) was ATARAXIA which is a word meaning "freedom from emotions." The word, "Stoic," itself, means "not easily excited; unmoved by joy or grief." The Stoics strove to master their feelings in order that they would not be affected by any event, even personal tragedies in their lives. They presumed that peace could only be realized by total indifference or apathy toward all things. Their personalities, therefore, were cold and lifeless.

In over-reacting to emotionalism, some of us have taken on the spirit of stoicism. This is obvious as reflected in the atmosphere of our worship in many places. In every act of worship there is a dispirited participation. No feeling is reflected! From beginning to end it is bland, stereotyped and formal, with the environment of a morgue. Worship should be a joyous occasion where the spirit is lifted up and the heart is satisfied. Like David, we should be able to say, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1).

Look at the typical, lethargic church in the exercise of its worship. There is a call to order by the song-leader announcing the number of a song. There is no introduction to worship, but simply, "number 200" ringing out through the auditorium. Again, you might hear, "number 2-0-0, number 200," as people begin to settle down.

Stoical Singing

The leader stands like a statue, head buried in the songbook, dragging along with the pitch an octave too high, and, a song that has been worn out by overexposure. The singing is atrocious! But they finally work their way through the first song and the second one goes about the same way, except this time the song may be off key and way too low. After the singing of two songs (this has been the routine for 20 years), it is time to stand for prayer.

The third song has an "Amen" at the close of it, but no, you cannot sing that as it would show some emotion to say, "Amen," or it is too sectarian. I do not know what we are going to do with all of the "Amens" in the Bible. Well, anyway, the song is finished and the leader retreats to the back of the auditorium where he sits till the invitation hymn, and when that is ready, he makes his way up the aisle with a fifteen-second lull between the time the preacher stops and the song begins.

Brethren, song-leaders can make or break a service. How rich and uplifting is the worship when there is good singing—songs that warm the heart and brighten our hope. We need to use the best we have and train those who are inexperienced. But for some reason brethren will put anybody up to lead singing, frequently dressed in untidy clothes, and we wonder why people are getting turned off and quitting the church.

In a gospel meeting, brethren feel compelled to use a different song-leader each night, and some of them are not ready to conduct the singing. Brethren will send hundreds of miles for a preacher, spending 700 to 800 dollars for the meeting, and then greatly hinder it by not having the best man available to lead the singing. Preachers of years past brought song-leaders with them. They had great singing. Some places would be wise in bringing in a song-leader for gospel meetings and have a songfest each night for 25 or 30 minutes before preaching. What great meetings we would have if such were done.

Another thing, look at our faces when we sing. Some of us have a countenance that resembles a Missouri mule—long and forlorn. Certainly, there are sad songs, but many songs have a message of salvation and joy. Why cannot we reflect in our faces and actions such wonderful words? Is this another sign of stoicism?

Stoical Prayers

Sometimes prayers are uttered in rote—just empty sayings. Jesus had somewhat to say about vain repetition (Matt. 6:7). Spontaneity is lacking! The phrases used are the same expressions over and over. We need to ask, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). The model prayer of Jesus (Matt. 6:9-15) serves as an excellent foundation and guideline for prayer. We all could profit by studying the prayers of Paul (Phil. 1:9-11; Col 1:9-12) and pray in like-manner.

The brother leading the prayer should speak loudly enough to be heard by the entire assembly and when he finishes, there should be some "Amens." Paul said an "Amen" is in order at the giving of thanks, providing we understand what the brother said (I Cor. 14:16). We generally understand what is spoken but the "Amens" are rather scarce. Most of the time there is just the "Amen" of the brother leading the prayer. Again, an indication of stoicism. We might ought to do like the black brother in a white congregation when he closed his prayer. He said, "Now, let us all say, 'Amen.' "There was an overwhelming response.

Stoical Observance of the Lord's Supper

In the observance of the Lord's Supper, nothing is said, whatsoever to focus our minds upon the suffering and death of our Lord. At a given moment in the worship, perhaps after the third song, or after the invitation song, men come from all directions and line up at the table. A brother, without any explanation, begins giving thanks, and the bread is passed among the worshipers. The fruit of the vine is treated in the same manner. After the Lord's Supper is concluded, they grab the collection plates, also without explanation, and start down the aisles. By habit the members know what is happening in sequence, but the visitors learn as it takes place and are somewhat unprepared.

Brethren, the greatness of Jesus and His unspeakable love demonstrated at Calvary deserves more from us than a hurry-up, frigid and petrified appearance at the Lord's Table. How refreshing to hear a brother give a brief talk that shows a feeling of gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf. Then, when the Supper is finished and the contribution is ready to be taken, someone can talk about the privilege of giving and what God has done for us in a material way.

Stoical Preaching

Preaching, with not a few, has become "talks." There is not much preaching to it. The audience is asleep in about five minutes from a monotone and maybe a topic that is as irrelevant as the Pony Express. Preachers need to put some punch, "fire" and enthusiasm in their sermons instead of trying to act like a Harvard theologian. We are preaching to common people with every day common problems, hence, we need to gear our preaching to their common needs, and preach with all the vim and vitality we can "muster-up."

Have you noticed how gospel preachers are introduced, anymore? It might go something like this: "After singing of this song, George will bring us the lesson." With such exuberant (?) introduction, dull singing, and perhaps a stereotyped prayer and ritualistic communion, the audience is practically comatose by the time the preacher is ready to preach. May I add, what has happened to the affectionate designation, "brother?" Too, has the word, "sermon," become obsolete, or the expression, "preach to us," antiquated? From the pulpit the preacher many times sees stone-faces, zombies, who sit emotionless. There is no response, no Amens, no nodding of heads, no expression of approval when the truth is preached. We have become too austere! Hearing Christ preached should excite us with jubilation and joy. It will show on those who are elated. It cannot be concealed.

Stoical Announcements

Finally, we do not want to overlook the announcements. They generally come at the end of the service. They are so abrupt without any continuity of worship. There is no mention how good it was to have been in the service, the blessings enjoyed, the sermon preached, etc., but far removed from the events that transpired, the brother starts with reading cold, hard facts. Warmth is missing.

The announcer proceeds to the sick and announces that "Bob Jones had surgery and is in room 240 at the local hospital." Brother Jones may be in critical condition, but there is no statement of concern, or request for prayers on his behalf. No feeling is expressed to his faithful family in the audience. This should not be. Some of us have gotten to the place where we cannot show emotions, shed tears of joy or sorrow and offer sympathy. Brethren, we MUST change!

On the other hand, thank God for vibrant churches and vigorous Christians who can sing "Sweet By and By" with tears of happiness, who pray with fervency, who are touched with gratitude, and express it, every time the Lord's Supper is eaten and who appreciate gospel preaching and show it.

Those who have drifted into lethargy and coldness need to be revived. Give us live, active, caring, Spirit-filled (Eph. 5:18) churches and Christians everywhere as we endeavor to serve the Lord in a world of sin.

— via Searching the Scriptures, October, 1984