The importance of worship

In our work, it is always a thrill to find those worship leaders and pastors that have a firm grasp on the role that worship plays in the life of the believer.

But so often we encounter believers (not just in Ireland) who, while they love worship times and "the song service", haven't quite grasped its relevance to their daily lives. It's simply something that happens when we gather with other believers once or twice a week. I can't count the number of times I've heard this referred to as their chance to "recharge their batteries".

A few months back I gave a sermon on the importance of worship in the life of the individual. The Westminster Shorter Catechism puts it this way: "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever." In this quote, when it uses the term "end", it's not referring to our final, ultimate state, but instead the reason for which we exist; our purpose.

We were created to worship. Not only that, we were created to be worshipers. Think about it. When given the opportunity, people will worship anything that they consider greater than themselves. Consider that every culture in the world has its idols or objects of worship, whether that be false gods, personalities, government systems or what have you.

The nature of the worshiper is dictated by that which they worship. Psalm 115:8 puts it this way: "Those who make [idols] will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." We are called upon throughout the New Testament to be imitators of Christ and how else are we to accomplish this than to spend quality time with Him. As we worship Him and maintain that spiritual connection with Him, He places His Spirit within us. "We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit." (1 John 4:13)

God seeks worshipers, not just worship. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman in John 4:23, "...true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." He knows how it benefits us to stay by His side. It reminds me of the protective mom who hangs on tightly to her toddler's hand as they navigate a busy parking lot.

Worship brings victory in our lives. When Judah was confronted with the imminent attack by a massive enemy, they were instructed to go out against them with the singers leading the army, singing praise to the Lord. They were focused upon the Lord, not their circumstances and the Lord routed the enemy before them. (2 Chronicles 20)

Consider this. What would happen if every believer took their role as a worshiper to heart and made a commitment to worship God in private every day and not just when the body gathers once or twice a week? What would our corporate gatherings look like? How exciting would that be?

You and I were created to be worshipers. It's in our DNA. Let's live it!