Worship is without a doubt one of the greatest privileges and joys in the Christian life. Showing reverence and awe and lifting up the name of Jesus not only is our duty as Christians but worship allows us to commune with God in a unique and special way. Worship allows us to offer adoration and honor to the Creator of the universe and in turn puts us in touch with the absolute beauty of the Lord. To me worshipping Jesus is the crown jewel of the Christian experience. Yes, it’s our duty but more than that it’s a sacred privilege.
But did you know that there is a right way to worship God and a wrong way. Pastor Erwin Lutzer helps us see why true worship must be according to God’s Word when he said: “We must worship in truth. Worship is not just an emotional exercise but a response of the heart built on truth about God. ‘The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth’ (Psm. 145:18). Worship that is not based on God’s Word is but an emotional encounter with oneself.”1
The truth is many people worship God but only Christians worship the one true God – Jesus Christ. So if your worship is not to Jesus then you are basically worshipping a made up God and in the words of Lutzer your worship “is but an emotional encounter with oneself.”
True worship, while our Christian duty, I believe, pleases God the most when we make it also our delight. Pastor Sam Storms shares this thought well when he stated: “If you come to worship for any reason other than the joy and pleasure and satisfaction that are to be found in God, you dishonor Him…God’s greatest delight is your delight in Him.”2
Not only that but according to (Psalm 150:2) we need to realize that we don’t just worship and praise God based on how we feel but based on who He is for we read: “Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!” And just how great is our God, well His greatness is simply off the charts!
In addition, our God deserves our highest worship at all times – even when we are going through deep trials. I love how Matt Redman puts it: “The heart of God loves a persevering worshipper who, though overwhelmed by many troubles, is overwhelmed even more by the beauty of God.”3
When we worship God we need to give Him our very best because He has given us His best. Have you ever really plumbed the depths of God’s love for you? First, He created you in His very image. Second, when we rebelled against Him through our sinful lifestyle, He still constantly wooed us in His attempt to save us from a life of bondage. Third, He sent His own Son, Jesus, to die for us as our sin substitute to win us back to Himself, Fourth, He promises us great peace, joy, and meaning here on planet earth. And fifth, once we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior we will get to spend eternity with Him in perfect bliss and perfect health.
My friends worshipping God should be our highest priority because when we worship Jesus we give Him the glory due His name. In closing I ask you to consider how our worship of Jesus impacts all those around us. May the following quote from Nancy Leigh DeMoss leave you with the same warm feeling I received when I read it. It truly made me feel how true worship will help me to be a light to all those I come in contact with: “Regardless of the reaction of others, one thing is certain: True worship and devotion will make our lives fragrant and will perfume the environment around us. Our homes, our churches, even our places of work will bear the sweet scent of our devotion. Most important, the Lord Jesus will be pleased. And ultimately that is all that really matters.”4
1 TOP 25 QUOTES BY ERWIN W. LUTZER (of 73) | A-Z Quotes (azquotes.com)
2 30 Great Quotes on Worship | Experiencing Worship
3 Reverent Worship – Worshiping God in Spirit & Truth – John 4:23 (lionsjoy.com)
4 Nancy Leigh DeMoss quote: Regardless of the reaction of others, one thing is certain… (azquotes.com)
In spirit and in truth, in spirit and in truth. Amen.