FROM MY POINT OF VIEW:
Worship is certainly a popular word we use in the church world. But what is “worship” and what do we mean when we invite someone to come to our Sunday morning worship service? What does “true worship” look like?
Do you realize that nowhere in the Bible are we given a pattern on HOW to worship God? The only thing we are told in John 4 is, to worship God “in spirit and in truth.” In Rom. 12:1, we are told to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. (NIV)
Webster’s Dictionary, p.1031, defines worship as, “reverence paid to a divine being.”
Notice the direction true worship goes. It goes from creation to Creator. One of our biggest mistakes in the church is the fact that we have reversed that. We have come to believe that worship is for us…it’s something we receive. 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.
When God comes down to our level, He still remains God; we do not ascend and become as gods. True worship implies a distinction between the worshiper and the one worshiped. 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 one 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 are 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.