What Is Worship?

First of all, worship is a choice. People are inclined to worship something, even if it’s themselves---“my will,” not “Thy will.”  

Worship, in general, means to honor, exalt, admire, or love something intentionally. In religion, worship includes: (1) praying or offering thanks to, (2) adoration or bowing down to, and (3) singing or giving praise to.

Around the world, people worship in different ways. Some worship idols while others pay homage to their ancestors. Some worship people of power, fame, or great wealth. Others worship by obedience to religious traditions, but worship can be done individually or in group settings.

The Old Testament taught worship of a living God. Idol worship was forbidden (Exodus 20:3-4). Forgiveness for sin required a blood sacrifice of animals. There was also a Sabbath day of worship, and a variety of offerings, festivals, and feast days.

In the New Testament, people were still to worship the living God, not idols. After Jesus’ resurrection, Christians worshiped on the first day of the week. You can read for yourself how they sang hymns, shared the Lord’s Supper (Communion), taught Scripture, received offerings, and were baptized in water.

Jesus was God’s perfect blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, and John the Baptist announced it publicly (John 1:29). No more need for animal sacrifices (John 3:16-18).

Believers worship God in several ways. Psalm 100:4 says we are to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, then go further into His courts with praise. Psalm 103 shares many reasons to praise the Lord.

As for offerings, Jesus appreciated the widow giving what she could from her limited resources (Luke 21:1-4). Some people believe in tithes and offerings. I’m one of them (Malachi 3:8-11). He meets all my needs, and I’ve learned you can’t outgive the Lord.

Here are three important questions:

• What is worship?  (I Chronicles 16:25-30; John 14:6)
• Who or what do you worship? (Joshua 24:14-15; Isaiah 46:5-7)
• How do you worship?  (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Romans 12)

 Don’t worry about impressing people; God is the only One who matters (1 Samuel 16:7).

  Pixabay: Bible, prayer, faith; eyetoeyedesignwhitby.