Come, Let us Worship
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 19 Sep 2010 in From Steve's Study ::
Worship would have to be one of the misunderstood terms in the whole of the bible. For some, “worship” is what you come to every Sunday (eg “I go to an informal ‘worship’ service”). For others, “worship” is just a part of the church service, in particular the singing (eg “we start off each service with ‘worship’”). For still others, “worship” is that feeling you get when you see a beautiful sunset, or starry night and are moved to praise God (eg “When I saw the amazing cloud-burst, I just sat down and ‘worshipped’”). While for many in our community it conjures up images of people kneeling before an idol and chanting as a sacrifice is made. So, what does the Bible mean by the word “worship”?
Well, there are a number of different words that are translated as “worship” and they have a range of meanings from an attitude of respect and homage (often associated with a physical gesture, like bowing); an act of service (whether in lifestyle or some kind of ‘priestly’ activity); or a reverent obedience to God.
Paul sums up very neatly in Romans 12:1-2 all of these ideas when he says that offering yourself to God as a “living sacrifice” is our “spiritual act of worship”. In other words, worship is not something we do once a week, or only when we are confronted with something or someone that is beyond our understanding. Worship is a constant choice to offer every part of our lives to God as an act of service to Him & out of love and respect for Him, for He is the only one who is worthy of such a gift.
So, when we gather for church, we will worship God together. When we sing, we are worshipping God. When we pray, we are worshipping God. When we choose to be faithful to our husband or wife, rather than giving in to temptation, we are worshipping God. When we tell our friends why we go to church and what God means to us, we are worshipping God. When we take a stand against injustice and for the good of those who are downtrodden, we are worshipping God.
Have you offered your whole life to God as an act of service? Are you a true “worshipper”?
« Getting People to Church What is love?»
Commenting has expired or Comments are turned off for this article.
