What do you think of when I say “worship”?
Do you think of smoke machines, colored lights, a band (with drums), and a few people holding microphones? Do you think of a grand cathedral, robes, incense, and hauntingly beautiful music with no instruments? Do you think of a group of people happily singing through a hymn book with a piano for support? Do you think of something else?
One of the things I love about the universal church of Christ is its diversity.
This is most prominent in our corporate worship. Honestly, I love it all! I love high church with a majestic organ. I love African worship with hearty singing, repetition, and a good beat. I love ancient Gregorian chants. I love a good, old-fashioned hymn sing. I also love the more modern praise band.
More than music, I love how we respond to God’s Word. I love deep Bible study, where we dig in and appreciate the richness of God’s Word. I also love stepping back to look at the bigger picture. I love prayer meetings where we read Scripture and respond in prayer, praising the Lord and lifting up those in need. I love a good, Bible-based sermon, whether to a quiet audience or to one who audibly responds.
You may have a favorite form of worship, and that’s just fine. The Bible doesn’t specify music styles or orders of service, so I assume God doesn’t have a preference.
However, there is one thing God clearly states.
“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;” (Matt. 15:18 NASB)
See, the heart of worship is our heart. If our heart isn’t in the right place, going through the “right” motions doesn’t matter.
11 “The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the Lord.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.
14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.Your hands are full of blood!
16 Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.Isaiah 1:11-17 (NIV)
So, what does God want in our worship?
1. Worship truthfully with all you are.
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” Jn. 4:23 (NIV)
2. Live for Jesus and worship Him every day (not just at church on Sundays).
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Rom .12:1-2 (NIV)
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:1-4 (NIV)
3. Glorify the Lord God Almighty.
11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
1 Chron. 29:11-13 (NIV)
Lord, teach us how to better worship You with all we have and all we are. I know we don’t always feel like worshipping You. Show us, especially in the hard times, the abundant reasons we have to praise and worship You. We love you, Lord. Amen.
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