Heart of Worship

The past month has definitely had one primary focus; worship. I attended two worship retreats in February, listened to podcasts who were discussing the topic, and the Bible study I lead was revolving around the subject as well. In this day and age, when someone thinks of worship they usually think of music sung to move us toward a spiritual experience. Being a member of my church’s “worship team” I feel blessed to be able to intercede in that role. However, this is a small part of what worship is meant to be in the life of a believer.

After Sunday service lets out, I’ve witnessed some say that the song selection just didn’t get them to that holy presence feel that they were looking for. As February had me diving into what a heart posture for worship should be, I realized how transactional we can be with our worship. “If I’m feeling it then I’ll sing along.” “If a message appeals to me then I’ll lean in.” “If I’m blessed in my finances then I’ll give.” “If I’ve exhausted all other avenues to get what I need then I’ll send up a pray.” The if-then proposals could go on and on. I would challenge you to remember that worship is not for us, it is for God. While the byproduct of worship is that we draw closer to Him and get to feel His presence, it is making an offering that brings this nearness.

It is clear that most Christians have come to see worship as the songs we sing on Sunday morning, but it is so much more that that. How do we know? Let’s look all the way back to Exodus. God says to Moses in chapter 4:22-23, “Then you will tell him[pharaoh], ‘This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son. I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.”‘” Fast forward to their time at the Mountain of God. The Israelite’s worship did have some singing, but it also had sacrifice of resources and money, it had using skills to build His kingdom, and it had daily dedications to honor His holiness.

My good ol’ Merriam-Webster says that to worship is to honor or show reverence to a divine being. It goes on to say it is “to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion.” If our hearts are turned to God in this posture, then we can worship Him with more than just our songs. The person who fills the communion trays can be performing an act of worship. The person leading a Sunday School classroom can be performing an act of worship. Even the person wiping down handrails or vacuuming the sanctuary can be performing an act of worship.

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 12:1

I would take this a step further and say worship goes beyond what you do at the church building. If your attitude is turned towards showing reverence to God, then the things you do at work can be worship. Your caring for your family can be worship. In fact, if serving God is at the core of all you do then your very life is an act of worship.

So the question to ask to get to the heart of worship is: Is your heart for worship? Do you come with a posture of great honor to the One who has made everything, and has given everything, with no reciprocal desire? Does your spirit rise to meet His like the incense before the Most Holy place; a pleasing aroma? Let us not make our worship transactional to Him who has already paid the price for us to be with Him.