God was very specific for the manner in which he expected people to honor him. Worship had a direct link to obedience. People were sometimes struck dead if they did not follow God’s demands. Aaron was the first high priest, but that made no difference for his sons who ignored proper practices. They lost their lives. Years later, if a high priest did not address the sin in his personal life and entered the Holy of Holies, he would die. In the early church a couple was struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit about property they sold and the money they gave to the church.
Worship is about God, not us. In his presence, we are to have a mindset of gratitude, praise, and gladness. We should be humble as we approach him. Worshipers must see God in a sense of awe and respect. We subjugate all that matters to us so that we might gain God’s blessing. The style of worship is of little consequence. Some people speak in tongues: some do not. Some observe sacraments; some have ordinances. Some have plain buildings; some have elaborate ones. Some sit quietly; others are very active. In one church the communion altar is central as a means to reverence God. However, other churches believe the sermon is primary in the service.
Worship should be the method by which we expose the depth of our hearts to God. It should bring healing to relationships, to our thinking, and to our feelings. Worship should empower us to conquer and slay our dragons. We submit to God and he takes over so that he might use us to reach others. Forgiveness from God and among us should occur because of worship. To worship is to glorify the Almighty. Through that, we can gain a sense of holiness.
It would be wise of us to examine how we conduct our services. Are they the means of honor to God or self? Is enjoyment the best that can be said of the service after it is over? Sometimes we should be troubled by being in God’s presence. If we have worshiped, God convicts us and talks to us in our hearts. Worship can only happen if the people traveled in personal and spiritual growth. That means there should not be disorder, confusion, or fun and games. When we worship, God is first by our concentration and focus.
Worship cannot be taken lightly. It cannot be something thrown at God as one tosses a bone to a dog. Worship is not a thing. It is a process. We are seriously concerned about our standing with God during that time. We have strong intent so that we might approach the Creator. A worship service cannot be a battle of time over the meat in the oven versus what a preacher is saying. If we truly worship, we become different people who are stronger and wiser. Without real worship, we fool ourselves and maintain a shallow mundane life for our eternal souls. To go to worship is a decision. To sincerely worship is a conscious determination.
Christian Writer 