I was just thinking about the many faces of what is called “worship” today. Sadly, in most cases, there is very little worship and a whole lot of religious activity. Even when people gather in a sanctuary, the priority is not always on the Lord.
What Worship Is
You could ask twenty people what worship is and you might get twenty different answers. The etymology of the word worship originates from the Old English term “weorthscipe,” which combines “worth: with the suffix “ship.” The focus is not on those who gather to worship, but on Him who is worthy of our praise. To me, worship is an inward working of the Holy Spirit that prompts an outward action to reveal how believers measure the worth of God and His Son, Jesus.
Worship Should Be a Priority
From the Old Testament, we see that Abraham and Sarah are tremendous examples of believers who had their priorities in order. Then we can look at how Joshua prioritized his family’s relationship to the Lord. Moving into Canaan was a special event for the Children of Israel. Joshua led them there under the guidance of God. But just settling in the Land of Promise was not all that Joshua felt was important. He said to the people, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living, But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshual 24:15 NIV 1984).
True Worship
• Requires Coming Before the Lord Because of Who He Is. Worship requires more than having a nice building, a comfortable seat or a pulpit. It requires more than Bible Study programs, upbeat music and feel-good sermons. It requires us to not merely go through rituals, but to get into the purpose of worship. It requires us to come as we are before God as He is.
• Assures Accomplishment. Too often, some go home from the morning services and say, “Well, I have done my duty — I worshipped today.” Listen, worship is more than a duty; it is an awesome privilege! When we carry that privilege before the Lord, we are assured that some very special things will be accomplished.
First, true worship pleases God. That should be a priority when we sing, when we give, and when we pray together as a body of Christ. Second, true worship honors Christ. May we never forget the reason we have the privilege of worship is because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When we give glory to God, it honors the Son. Third, true worship lifts the soul. I am not referring to lifting hands, jumping up and down, or any other physical activity. When our spirits give praise, honor and glory to God, our souls are affected. We can get into our automobiles and say, “It was good to have been in the house of the Lord!” Fourth, true worship strengthens the family. When children see their parents making worship a priority, it affects them not just for the moment but for decades to come. When the family worships the Lord in Spirit and truth, the children have a pattern for making worship of the Lord a priority when they have children.
• Requires Sacrifice. We live in an age of convenience. Sadly, people have made the worship of God an inconvenience. It hinders them from doing “fun” things instead of thanking the Lord for His daily provision and protection. When worship becomes a priority, God will always bless those who give God praise, adoration and thanksgiving. After all, He alone is worthy!
