Ask Pastor John Are Raised Hands in Worship Just Showing Off?
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Jan 12, 2026 
In this discussion, theologian John Piper, renowned for his insights on Christian beliefs, digs deep into the motivations behind raising hands in worship. He explores whether such gestures signify true devotion or a desire for human applause. Piper offers three tests to evaluate our intentions: yearning for God’s approval, caring for others' consciences, and prioritizing God's glory. He emphasizes that genuine worship stems from the heart, debunking the notion that visibility in faith equates to authenticity.
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The Heart Test In Matthew 6
- Matthew 6 tests whether God’s approval means more to you than human praise.
- John Piper says these passages aim to make God feel real and supremely desirable.
Examine Motives Before Visible Acts
- Do examine your motive before you perform visible acts of faith like giving, praying, or fasting.
- Seek the Father's approving smile more than the praise of people, Piper urges.
No Safe Public Behaviors
- Matthew 6's teaching applies to every public expression of faith with no exceptions.
- Piper stresses there are no safe behaviors because our hearts can turn any act into pride.
