A Question on Worship

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
Question: Is there such a thing in [Christianity today] as private or individual worship, or is everything, properly so called, confined to the gathered assembly?
Answer: I remember the same question [about worship] arising in my mind at least thirty years ago when writing (in the French) the tract, “On Worship.” There is one thing which may [help] your inquiry. John’s writings always refer to the individual. Chapter 4 [see verses 20-25] shows that individual worship is recognized. But if [one follows this, intentionally separating] from all saints, it would be [wrong]. Love to all saints is a necessary ingredient in the heart’s going up to God.
Worship together has a distinct and peculiar character, because there is Christ’s promise to be there. “In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.” But I do not doubt that if I am alone I can worship God alone. Still Scripture is full of joint worship, and so it will be in heaven.
In an assembly I should think it an unhappy thing for one to set himself apart as [somehow] superior to others. Our part is to esteem others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:33Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)). And also, whereto we have already attained, let us mind the same thing (Phil. 3:1616Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (Philippians 3:16)).
J. N. Darby (Letters, Vol. 3, adapted)