Worship is defined as “the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.” We often think of worship involving acts or rites that make up a formal expression of reverence. In Luke 4:8, Jesus said, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Most believe that worship is a vague, emotional response toward God, but nothing could be further from the truth. We do worship the Lord “in spirit,” but this does not mean that our worship is without definition and limitation (John 4:23-24).
When we worship God, it is to be sincere and from the whole being. Furthermore, everything we do must have authority and purpose. As far as purpose is concerned, Colossians 3:17 tells us to do everything by the authority of Christ. As far as purpose is concerned, there are five acts outlined in the New Testament in Acts 2:42-47, and each one of them fulfill a specific purpose.
- First, when we sing, we teach and admonish each other.
- Second, when we pray, we commune with God.
- Third, when we observe the Lord’s supper, we commemorate the death of Christ.
- Fourth, when we give, we show our graciousness and liberality in supporting the Lord’s cause.
- Fifth, when we devote time to the word of God, we enrich ourselves because that word will “reprove, rebuke and exhort” every faithful Christian (2 Timothy 4:2).
We draw close to God when we hear and learn (John 6:44-45). Is your worship meaningful or is it just a mass of raw emotion? One should “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4), but emotion does not mean that you are drawing close to God. If your worship is not deep, please attend our assemblies or contact us for further study.
Kyle Campbell
