What is worshipping

Do we get it right

“Is worship, then, essentially an experience or feeling? Is it to be identified with a special sense of the presence of God, with some kind of religious ecstasy, or with expressions of deep humiliation before God? Are there special moments in a Christian meeting when we are truly “worshipping” God? Are church services to be measured by the extent to which they enable the participants to enter into such experiences? Such a subjective approach is often reflected in the comments people make about Christian gatherings, but it has little to do with biblical teaching on the matter.” Quote from; A Biblical Theology of Worship, by David Peterson.

Interesting comment and one that brings up the question of what is your definition of worship. Does it coincide with what scripture tells us worship is? And are you ready to believe, adjust to, and practice what scripture tells us worship is if you are not following scripture?

Worshipping is more than singing songs, raising your hands, anticipating some kind of special charismatic experience, religious ecstasy, or a heartfelt deep humiliation before God.

Worshipping God is not centered around us and what we can get out of it, it is not defined by a musical experience where feelings can be turned off and on depending on the surroundings.     

Worshipping God can be done anytime and anywhere, alone or in a crowd (contrary to what many believe is that God is not with you in a special way when two or three are gathered together). Worshipping can mean coming to meet God and be in His presence, giving Him songs of praise (praising Him, not any other or anything), honor, and glory, studying or listening to His word, having communion and a meal in fellowship with Him, alone or with others. And always be infused with all types of prayers and petitions.

When we worship, alone or with others, everything we do and say must give praise and glory to God. It is to Him we owe our obedience, love, admiration, and our gift of eternity that we did not earn or deserve.  

Does the expensive stage, lights, fog machines, strobe lights, and performances by the choir or song leaders bring and give glory to Him? Do the words of the worship songs give praise and glory to Him or do they focus on us? Are we in church for the music, fellowship, or to meet our friends, and hear His word so we can check that off our to-do list of things we must do? 

Scripture tells us to examine what and why we do things within our faith walk to make sure they line up with His commands and that we are not “falling away” from what we profess to do and be. John 3:16 (NLT) Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.

If we find that anything we do in the name of the Lord is not to His standards and commands they are to be removed from our walk, repent, and strive to follow His word.

Worshipping is where we give all the praise and glory to God, lift Him, and focus all our attention on Him. If we receive something in return it is a blessing that we should cherish. In addition, scripture tells us we were created to worship God (Psalm 29:1-2; 1 Corinthians10:31; Ephesians 1:3-6; Philippians 2;9-11) and the purpose of the church, beyond serving the Lord and spreading the gospel, is to worship God through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-6; 1 Peter 2:5). And true worship takes place on the inside, within our hearts or spirits, which ids the dwelling place of God (Psalm 103:1-2; Ephesians 2:22). 

“Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us.”    A.W. Tozer 1897 – 1963

I think Tozer would be horrified to see some of the way churches conduct their services and some of the worship music of today!