Diana, When the word says worship in TRUTH, I take it to mean that if we do not worship in the truth then the worship is not accepted. The church throws their arms in the air and hold hands and cry all because it makes THEM feel good. This Kingdom is not about what feels good to you or to others. It's about what IS righteous and acceptable unto the Lord. It is about Obedience. You can't be something inwardly and something different outwardly.
Hi Roy, fair enough. I think I do understand where you are coming from. I guess I am coming from a different sort of history. I only went to church for about 3 years out of my 10 year Christian walk, and not all at the same time. I was never a faithful attendee, nor did I involve myself with church activities outside listening to the sermon. I have maybe gone to a handful of bible studies. I have always been of the rebellious non-conformist type nature, and so when people raised hands, cried out, sang, danced around etc etc I have never felt compelled to do the same. I have never quite fit in, but thankfully I have never felt that I HAD to fit in. I was okay being the quirky quiet me that I was. So I agree with you, worship is not about what feels good, or really to take it further, it has nothing to do with anything physical. For instance, I can pray in my spirit quietly, I don't have to get down physically on my knees and say literal words out of my mouth. So if people are worshiping with the flesh all around me, what does that have to do with me? I'm not conforming to their ways just to please them.
Having said that, if somebody feels within that this is a problem for them, that is, feeling compelled to fit in and therefore go along with the crowd, than certainly it could be dangerous, and at the very least disheartening, to be in the crowd (whatever crowd that may be, church or otherwise). I wouldn't recommend it to someone if I thought they were fragile in that way. I don't see Matt as being that way, however, but only he knows that for sure.
So in all fairness, I completely respect your viewpoint, even though I may not agree with it in applying it to myself.
So maybe this has been dangerous ground to walk on, for me to give my perspective, when to be honest I don't really know for sure what is the right or wrong answer for Matt. I just know what I think I would do in similar situations. And that's just a reflection of where I am at. For me, I can't imagine a couple of hours amongst lies is any comparison to the countless hours I spend everyday seeking out truth in the Word. If Matt's wife and children are going to be going anyway, and Matt is there, it may give him opportunity to point out scripturally what lies are being taught in the sermon of the day. If he can find a way to do that, then I think it is worth it, and may be just the way God uses him to open his wife's eyes.
It looks like this thread has shown we all differ slightly, so poor Matt, it looks like you're on your own after all in having to figure it out.
My prayers are with you brother, that God show you HIS will in the matter. You're in a tough spot.
Peace to all,
Diana