On Wednesday evenings after CrossPoint University, I meet with a small group of men to discuss a book pertaining to systematic theology. We have been discussing the 1291 page tome for nearly two years. This last Wednesday the chapter topic was worship.
Worship can be difficult term to define. The very practice of worship can be even more difficult to understand and practice. During the discussion, two of the men shared their personal insights into worship.
One man wondered aloud what the opposite of “consumer-driven worship” would be. As discussion ensued, he answered his own question. His summary response was clear. The worshiper is either a consumer or they are consumed.
Do you get it? You are either a consumer of worship or you are consumed by the One you are worshipping. I suspect most worshipers are consumer worshipers. They want to sing their favorite songs and then listen to a message tailored to their particular needs. While a small minority, understand that worship is a command issued by God not for consumption but to consumer you.
True worship has nothing to do with our tastes, preferences or desires. True worship is God-centered, Spirit-led and Christ-focused.
Later in the discussion another friend provided an acrostic for worship he had developed last year. The acrostic was the result of a CrossPoint Bible Study lesson.
His description of worship included:
W… wholeness: all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
O… obedience: follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
R… repentance: ask for forgiveness of your sins.
S… salvation: know that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
H… humility: serve God for His glory, not yours
I… investment: give of your time, talent and treasure
P… prayer: communicate with God
Worship is a spiritual exercise. When we worship we are entering into the spiritual realm. Thus, to worship the Lord Jesus properly we must be spiritually prepared and equipped to worship. May I suggest you take some time Saturday evening and then again Sunday morning to prepare to enter into the spiritual realm of worship this weekend?
Amen, Pastor, Amen!
I don’t know what a tome is, but that is good stuff Bro. Ryan!
I don’t know about everybody else that was in yesterday’s church service, but I was CONSUMED with the worship. It was a wonderful worship time that I wish had lasted for hours! I’ve always believed that worship time is our sacrifice to the Lord and when our voices go up, his Spirit settles down on the believers in the way He would enter the Holy of Holies back in the day. You could actually feel Him with us and is there anything better than that? Nope.
Anony-mom, I agree. Worship was Spirit-led in so many ways. Please continue to pray our worship leaders will follow the Spirit. God is using our worship in our powerful way, and I pray we continue to praise Him as He continues to minister to us.