thoughts on worship: part one

Many people have different views and definitions of worship. I believe that the biggest mistake people make is thinking that worship is only associated with music. While ‘worship music’ is an emotional response in worship, it does not define it wholly. Worship is a lifestyle. It is a constant and consistent way of life knowing fully that our words, actions and thoughts would not only reflect Christ, but glorify Him as well. When we can grasp this concept and understand its full potential, we can experience God on a more personal level. One man in the Bible epitomized this truth, and that was Enoch. In Genesis chapter 5 we simply read that ‘Enoch walked with God’ (verse 24). He didn’t just pray to God, or talk to God, He walked with Him! This shows me exactly where I want to be and what I want to help others to understand about worship. Worship is not simply an experience. I worship while I am at work, on the phone with my friends, what I watch on television, how I treat my mother, my future wife, kids, etc. It is what I say. It is what occupies my mind and thoughts. It is my actions. Everything I do can be used to glorify God. This done with a pure heart is authentic worship.

I believe that scripture is at the foundation of living this authentic life. The scriptures teach us and mold our hearts to help fully understand our role in the church, our families, in our vocations, and in our lives. Scripture should be a vital part of a worship service in directing people’s hearts toward God and relevant teachings.

I have also learned that worship is not how good you are at something. Everyone has been gifted by God in different areas. In the body of Christ there are arms, feet, hands, toes and so on. As leaders in the church we need to help people discover what role they can serve in and what they can continue to function as. They should not be discouraged if they come to realize they are not a ‘hand’. We should help show them that they are an ‘arm’ and without the arm, the hand is useless. If within the church there is a fully-functioning ‘body’ of believers, sold on authentic worship, there is no telling what sort of radical revolution God may have in store!