Someone once remarked to me, “I know that heaven is not people sitting on clouds playing harps. But it is described as people worshiping God all the time – and that seems like it would get boring after a while.” If worship is only singing to God, then yes – that might get old (but maybe not, once we see the beauty of the Lord). Worship, though, is so much more.
Worship is a response to the Lord. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” Psalm 106:1. God reveals Himself in creation, in experiences, in circumstances, in His Word, in relationships. We respond to Him with gratitude – and this is the right response. We do not initiate worship but respond to God’s work in our lives. As we worship we come to know God more, for He deserves worship and the highest praise. Worship is a critical part of our relationship with the Lord. Worship is gratitude.
Worship is about attention and attitude. Jesus said that God’s worshipers worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24). Worship is more than singing – it is the way we live. Work is worship, as is rest, and taking care of our house and yard, and the way we love and care for others. Worship is being mindful of God in all we do – having an attitude focused on Christ even when we are not at church service. Worship is working hard and being humble, thinking of Jesus and praying hundreds of little prayers through the day. Worship is waking up saying, “Good morning Jesus,” and laying down at night praying, “Thank you Lord for this day.” Every minute can be worship.
At Covenant Grove the habit of Worship is one of our Key Commitments. This is a core part of being a Christian, yet so many have lost the heart of worship in the so called “worship wars” – fighting over which style of music they prefer. What does God prefer? God prefers worship – and that is about the heart, and not music. That is about our lives, and not just the songs. We commit to being in worship on Sunday mornings as often as we can – because corporate worship is an important habit that the Bible calls us to. We commit to growing in worship – to living lives of love, growing in joy and gratitude, and being humble – always mindful of Christ. These habits are part of the DNA of our church, and they make our church closer to the Vision He has for us.
Let’s worship the Lord every minute, with every single breath.
