Worship

July 30, 2010

WHAT IS WORSHIP? - PART 1

Scripture Reading--Psalm 105:3-4

"Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the 

Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore"

( emphasis added ).

     We can't bake a delicious cake unless we find the proper ingredients, measure properly, mix properly, and bake at the proper temperature for the proper length of time.  If we try to create a cake another way, we'll probably produce a "flop".   

     So it is with worship.  Proper worship has many dimensions.  Most essential is the fact that genuine worship must be God-centered.  

     What many churches consider to be "worship" is disturbing.  In many cased, this worship is shallow and meaningless or a dull, boring routine.  It's going through the motions with no purpose or results.  In other situations, "worship" means laughter, jokes, foolishness, and fun.  "No one's going to accuse our church of being dull and boring," some say.  "We're here to have a good time!"

     Others consider a good worship experience to be filled with emotional manipulation that stirs good feelings.  "You have to make people feel good," they say, "or they won't come back!"  The loud and exciting atmosphere works people up and draws big crowds.  There's no substance or depth, but that's okay.  "You have to give people what they want."

     A heart that truly seeks God is at the core of worship that pleases Him and rewards His people.  This kind of worship begins in the heart, is carried on in the home, and culminates in the church where God's people meet.

     Do you have a heart that seeks God?  If so, you are a true God-worshiper.  As a family, is seeking God the goal of your family worship?  When you go to church are you seeking God and what He has for your family?  If so, you won't be disappointed.  God says, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart"  ( Jer. 29:13, emphasis added ).  Genuine worship is seeking God.

ACTION POINT:  Evaluate your family's worship experience.  Is God central to all you consider worship?

--Jack Palmer--