By Jim R Williams
The definition of worship, what it is, what it looks like, and when it's to be done has been at the center of a lot of controversy. It is a word that has been at the center of many church splits, mostly due to a misunderstanding of the word. It's a word that has been used, misused, and abused over the years. And it has been done so even by well meaning individuals.
Here is the definition of the English word "worship" taken from a theological dictionary in my library: Worship = Honor, reverence, homage, in thought, feeling, or act, paid specifically and supremely to God.
Now, with that definition in the back of your mind, lets take a look at what worship is not. Worship is not singing. It is not music. Worship is not the service, or a specific time of the service. Worship is not words, or actions. Worship is not dancing, or waving banners. Worship is not bowing down or raising your hands. Worship is not sitting silent or saying prayers. Worship is not reading or teaching scripture. Worship is not even serving in the church.
In and of themselves the above-mentioned topics are not worship, though they are a part of worship. Yes, they are all acts of worship. But apart from one thing they are not worship. Isaiah 29:13 says "These people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me."
Here is where many get into trouble. They believe that "the act" of worship, is worship, in and of itself. But the actions of worship must come from the overflow of the heart done in both spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)
Worship is our response to the truth of who God is and what He has done. That response begins with an attitude of the heart. It's an attitude of reverence. It's an attitude of honor. It's an attitude of giving worth. This heart attitude is a result of the Holy Spirit revealing to us who God is, and all that He has done. It's a heart attitude that flows into a desire to do one thing. Please the heart of God. (2 Corinthians 5:9) How do you please the heart of God? By obeying His commands. (1Samuel 15:22) And what are His commands?
Deuteronomy 6:5-6 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
Mathew 22:37 Jesus said to him," 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. '"On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
The actions of worship must flow out of a heart attitude of wanting to please God because of who He is, and because of what He has done. Worship is a way of life. It's a life whose one desire is to please the heart of God, to make much of Him, 24/7.
I would like to invite you to get a free copy of my mini-guide "Preparing to Lead Worship" at http://www.worshipleadingtoday.com
Jim Williams, Worship Leader, Worship songwriter
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