Worship is more than singing

After a summer of looking at God's general revelation, it is clear to me that worship is more than singing. Worship defined is worth-ship. That is, attributing something has great worth, but that is not quite right. Further definition is "reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred." The verb being the action of giving worship to God or something sacred.

The question that immediately follows these definitions is, what does that mean? I get every word in the definition but, it still leaves me wondering what worship really is, what is right worship or correct worship? How are we to worship in our modern context?

The Westminster shorter and larger catechism's first question and answer are:

Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of humanity?

Answer: Humanity's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

To glorify and enjoy God is our highest end. it is our individual and collective purpose. From my journey this summer I can clearly see that worship is the act of giving God glory through my actions and through my life. I read a great definition that I want us all to think and meditate on: "Worship turns out to be the dangerous act of waking up to God and to the purposes of God in the world, and then living lives that actually show it." Mark Labberton The Dangerous Act of Worship.
He goes on: "Worship names what matters most: the way human beings are created to reflect God's glory by embodying God's character in lives that seek righteousness and do justice."

Worship is not about a song, or a set aside time on Sunday or Saturday, but about a frame of mind about a posture against the world. Our worship is best expressed in how we live in the day to day moments that we are given. So the question we will be looking at is how do we worship in our modern context?

We will look at many different practices, but we will start in the same place. Worship is a response to God. To God's glory, grace, love, power, righteousness, holiness, and justice…worship starts with a comprehension of who God is and who we are.

We will start next week and would ask for your prayers as we prepare to receive God's Word. Pray also for us as we continue to follow God's lead.

 

Peace

Edwin