We join together in a worship service each week. Is it possible for a group of people to be involved in the same service, while some worship and some do not?
Is worship dictated by how loud or good you sing? (I hope not)
Is it dictated by how well you pay attention to God’s Word? (no comment)
In both the Hebrew and Greek language, worship is to bow before another. It is to prostrate yourself in submission to a higher authority. Why is that important? It is impossible to rebel against the authority if you are in complete submission to Him. You have placed yourself at His mercy. Worship.
That means, When we gather for worship, we must adjust our attitudes and hearts to reflect this kind of submission. If we have come to see what we can get out of the service, WE are being served. That means we have risen above others to be served (and not prostrate before God). If, however, we have come to lay ourselves before God, He is being served. Worship is not about us.
Music changes, instruments change, and we have songs written centuries ago and some brand new. For us to withhold our praise to God because it is not our favorite song (or written in the right century) is to place our opinion above God’s dominion. We don't sing because it is our favorite song, We sing because He is worthy!
If you come only to hear a preacher teach – you may or may not get something useful. But, if you submit yourself to the authority of God's Word, giving Him your heart to change and mold into His image – you will get something useful EVERY time.
To go deeper, we cast aside our personal preferences and prejudices for the sake and glory of the King of Kings. We submit ourselves to the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15) and offer ourselves as living sacrifices to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through His Word (Romans 12:1-2).
Now, go worship in spirit and truth.
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