Thanksgiving and worship have their beginning in the inner man and, if genuine, will eventually be expressed outwardly. Over the years we have allowed the outward activity to be worship when, in reality, they are the means by which we worship. Jesus gave us important insight concerning true worship when He talked to the woman at the well in John 4:24, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (NIV) In other words, true worship takes place when my spirit touches God’s Spirit. When that happens, worship will find its expression in an outward way, such as singing and prayer.
Worship is not about our cozying up to God, our buddy or pal. There is, of course, intimacy to be shared with our “Abba, Father,” but we are in no way being set up in a partnership of equals in worship. A partnership between equals results in fellowship, not worship. Any experience which seeks to put us up on God’s level is not worship. In fact, it is inappropriate and in most cases, idolatry.
God condescends and remains God; we do not ascend and become as gods. If we were to cease being human and became absorbed by Deity we would no longer be capable of worship. True worship implies a distinction between the worshiper and the one worshiped. In fact, when true worship happens we become even more human, even more of what we were intended to be, being created in the image of God. That’s what giving “Thanks” is all about. It has to do with honoring or giving homage to One who is worthy to receive such praise. We, on the other hand, are not worthy of such unconditional devotion and adoration.
Worship is the only thing we can give God that He didn’t give us to start with. Everything you have and are, God has given you: life…employment…talents and abilities…material blessings, are all gifts from God. All He asks for in return is our gratitude and worship.
That’s what November and December is all about. Don’t be intimidated by a society that wants to convince us that Thanksgiving and Christmas are something other than what they were intended to be. Historically, they are times set aside to give “thanks” to God for His provision and to mark the time when God became flesh and dwelt among us. This time of year gives the Church an opportunity for the world to see us on our knees, with hands raised toward heaven, saying:
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Rev. 4:11, (NIV)
That’s my view of things.