What is worship?

Once a week, and on special days, Christian believers set aside time to gather for worship of the Triune God. Christian worship takes different forms and expresses itself in different ways. But, what is at the heart of Christian worship? What is a Godly attitude toward Christian worship?

Christian worship comes from faith in Christ

Christian worship is an expression of Christian faith. It is a fruit of faith. It is the believer’s response to God’s love shown them in Jesus Christ. By grace the Holy Spirit plants personal faith in Jesus into the human heart. Where such faith exists, worship is accepted by God.

The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) The unbeliever may go through the rituals of worship but without faith they are worthless before God. Worship activity offered by Christians is acceptable because it is offered through faith in Jesus Christ.

Christians want to honor God for His grace and mercy

The word “worship” means to honor something or someone as divine or supernatural. When Christians gather for worship they are publicly confessing that the Triune God is the object of their praise.

When we worship we are gathering to honor, give thanks and praise the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for their gracious activity in our lives. Worship is an “offering” or “act of giving.” Out of love for Christ we honor God as divine and supernatural. We praise and give thanks to Him for all that He has done for us.

Christians are to be thankful worshippers, not critics

When we go to the movies we are eager to be entertained by the story, the visual effects, the appearance of the actors and actresses. When we are disappointed, we become “film critics.” That’s the way it is in the entertainment business.

Sad to say, many come to worship with the same mindset: “What’s in it for me?” But worship isn’t about our being entertained. It’s about Christians giving their best performance to God. The Psalmist David wrote, “Worship the Lord with gladness.” (Psalm 100:2)

He expressed this Godly attitude toward worship: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1)

Jesus said, “Worship the Lord in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23) Worship is about thankfully giving God our personal best and the praise due Him. It’s about checking our “movie-going mindset” at the door.

While there is a Godly place for critiquing songs, activity and messages to see if they are based on true Christian Biblical teaching, worship is not about the quality of the performances. God wants us to worship with a joyful heart, involve ourselves and give thanks for the people He has raised up to lead us in worship.

God bless your worship.

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” (Psalm 95:6)